Why Age Restrictions Are Important in Online Casinos

In recent years, the number of online gaming arcades has grown by leaps and bounds. Particularly due to the Corona pandemic, individual providers have experienced a strong influx. Of course, those who had to stay home during quarantine quickly got bored. Simply spinning a few rounds on a slot machine mobile app and supplementing your pocket money – sounds tempting. This, and even more, you can do with sweet bonanza slot right from your mobile phone.

Not only adults have become aware of online providers. Operators of online casinos put obstacles in the way of minors and young people. Age restrictions regulate access to casinos not only in Germany. There are also very clear regulations for children and young people in the online gambling sector in many other countries. In essence, the aim is to protect minors.

Youth Protection – Taking Health Risks Seriously

Gambling has been around for a very long time. It is already known from ancient Rome that legionnaires played dice. The outcome depends only on luck. And chance or statistics are decisive. A certain level of maturity is required to recognize these connections and draw important conclusions from them.

The legislators in many jurisdictions do not recognize this maturity in children and young people. Playing with real money should be primarily fun. The fact that players can also win cash prizes should be secondary. The emphasis is on should, as a small percentage of adult players slide into pathological behavior.

Gambling addiction is one of the reasons why visiting casinos or registering in internet casinos is only possible after the age limit has been exceeded. With this age restriction, children and young people are to be kept away from the health risks of gambling addiction. In this respect, youth protection is implemented, which applies not only in Germany. Many countries recognize young people’s special need for protection.

However, youth protection is not the only reason why operators of internet casinos introduce an age restriction. Young people are only legally capable of acting once reaching the age of majority. If a casino accepts registration and credit, it can quickly be confronted with civil law claims for damages by parents.

Age Restriction Is Legally Relevant

Youth protection is also incorporated into gambling law through legally prescribed age limits. Many countries behave uniformly in this regard, and registration with an internet casino is prohibited until the age of 18 (in some jurisdictions, until 21). The same applies to accepting such registration.

As far as Germany is concerned, this point even touches the criminal code. Both participation in and organization of prohibited gambling are punishable offenses. With the new admission guidelines, operators can apply for a license but are not exempted from compliance with youth protection.

How Age Restriction Is Controlled

A distinction must be made between online arcades with German approval and providers from abroad without a German license. Implementation of age restriction only goes hand in hand with control. At this point, certain differences can easily be seen.

Internet casinos with a license from the joint gambling authority of the German states must carry out very strict identity verification guidelines. Video identification is now almost exclusively used for this purpose. Employees check the counterpart’s identity in the video chat – based on identification documents. It is almost impossible for minors to register without the knowledge of adults.

Providers based abroad go about verification in a slightly different way. Often, simple documents such as copies of ID cards or energy bills are sufficient as proof. Of course, it is easier to bypass age restriction here. Better control would be technically feasible – but also associated with higher costs. However, all providers look very closely when there are concrete suspicions.

What happens if minors register and the identity check is not carried out? Measures are taken at this point. In mild cases, payouts above a certain amount are no longer authorized.

In Germany, the rules are even stricter because game accounts are generally blocked for payouts. As a result, winnings cannot be withdrawn. The most severe measure providers can take is suspending affected player accounts if they are not verified after a certain period.

Can Minors Still Play?

It cannot be completely ruled out that minors can play casino games despite the restriction. There are slots and card games or roulette as an app for mobile phones with play money. These versions can be accessed freely and are not subject to such strict regulations. At this point, even young people can download slots or blackjack onto their mobile phones.

Conclusion: Age Restriction Protects Children

Slot fans often find identity verification for online gambling offers annoying. There is no malice on the part of the providers. It is simply about implementing applicable rules from gambling law. In most countries, the participation of children and adolescents is strictly prohibited. To protect minors, internet casinos need a closely monitored age restriction.