Important tips for cardholders for safe online gambling- II

It is the gambling operator’s responsibility to prevent under-age gambling. However you can help by making sure you know what the rules are.

• It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to gamble in the UK.

• Where a minor can get access to your cards, either as an agreed secondary cardholder or possibly without your knowledge, make sure you follow basic security measures – keep your PIN or online password safe and never pass these on and always check your statement so that you always know what is being spent on your account.

• Immediately notify the gambling operator if you think that your child has registered themselves so that the gambling account can be locked.

• To protect your family, consider installing software to restrict access to gambling websites. For example:

www.netnanny.com,

www.gamblock.com,

www.icra.org/parents,

www.cyberpatrol.com

www.getnetwise.org.

• For general help on the internet and children, Childnet International’s mission is to “help make the internet a great and safe place for children” and they can be found at www.childnet-int.org.

The majority of people who gamble in the UK do not encounter any difficulties.
However, a minority may find themselves addicted and need support. The following organisations can provide further advice:

GamCare:

www.gamcare.org.uk

Gamblers Anonymous:

www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

Gordon House Association:

www.gordonhouse.org.uk


If you do find yourself struggling with debts from online gambling, you should seek advice as soon as possible. The following sites provide support and assistance.

Citizens Advice:

www.citizensadvice.org.uk

National Debtline:

www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

Consumer Credit Counselling Service:

www.cccs.co.uk

Community Legal Service Direct:

www.clsdirect.org.uk

Choosing and Using:

www.choosingandusing.com

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