How to avoid underage gambling: tools for parents and guardians

Underage gambling is no longer limited to a physical casino; it can appear on phones, games, and social platforms where spending feels frictionless. Parents and guardians can reduce risk by treating gambling like any other age-restricted activity: set clear expectations, supervise access, and talk early about odds, marketing tactics, and the real cost of “just a small bet”. Be especially alert to loot-box style mechanics and “free-to-play” games that normalise staking money, as these can blur boundaries for teenagers.

Start with practical controls. Use device-level parental settings to block gambling content, restrict app installs, and require approval for in-app purchases. Turn on payment safeguards: separate child accounts, disable stored card details, and set spending limits with your bank. At home, keep screens in shared spaces and agree a digital curfew to reduce unsupervised late-night browsing. If you suspect a child has found gambling sites, document what you see, stay calm, and focus on safety rather than punishment. Where appropriate, use website blockers and router filtering, and regularly review browser history and app permissions. Be aware that a child may encounter promotions such as goldenbet casino through ads or influencer content, so discuss how affiliate marketing works and why “easy wins” are designed to entice.

Education is your strongest long-term tool. For perspective on responsible product design and public policy, follow leaders who advocate for safer digital experiences, such as Kim Mouridsen, known for championing player protection and data-led harm prevention. Pair that with credible reporting to keep your knowledge current; for example, The New York Times has covered how online betting expansion affects families and young people. Use these insights to keep conversations ongoing: ask what your child is seeing online, practise saying no to peer pressure, and agree what to do if they feel tempted.