With the launch of real money gambling on Facebook, a platform that is enjoyed (illegally or not) by people of all ages many questions are being asked of children’s safety when it comes to gambling. Facebook Bingo Friendzy was launched a few months back and now steps are being made to offer real money casino gambling too. Does introducing our children to such concepts set them up for a future of gambling addiction? It’s hard to tell but we’re taking a closer look at what the critics have to say.
Gambling; the Law according to Facebook
Gambling laws in the UK make real money gambling more accessible than in other countries, most notably the USA. This means that more children are exposed to this form of entertainment early on in life. We’re sure many of our readers have sat down with their laptop for an afternoon bingo session with their kids sat on the sofa too, but surely this can’t do any harm? They’re only watching you play but with Facebook launching such games this could change. Statistics suggest that there are over 3 million UK based Facebook users aged 13 to 17 and a further million are said to lie about their age so are assumed to be younger.
Free Bingo is the cause of problem gamblers?
Despite gambling companies claiming extensive safeguards are in place to protect against children using their applications, it is pretty straightforward to access them and real money purchases on the site can be completed in a single click. However, there are suggestions that information will be checked against the electoral role, potentially stalling children’s attempts to use the apps, but it remains to be seen if this will work and understandably there are worried parties out there.
Experts in the industry say that the development of problem gambling often stems from enjoying free online games first and when you play free games you regularly win, making it seem like the same will happen when you’re playing for real money. This obviously is not the case, but players who lose do often enter the dangerous cycle of chasing what they’ve lost and losing even more. Facebook asserts that real money gambling apps will be mainly for entertainment purposes but when there’s money involved people do get greedy.
There’s a Bingo Friendzy out there!
What about bingo? Bingo Friendzy got into some hot water as some people said it was designed in a cartoonish fashion and would appeal to children, which the developers refute; but marketing bingo to children is nothing new. Traditional fun fairs often feature bingo games, where young children can win gift prizes and in fact, you can pick up a children’s bingo machine game from a popular high street retailer. Does this mean all children who play these games are destined to become gambling addicts? You’d think not as they’ve been played and enjoyed for years.
Statistically speaking
Research suggests that problem gamblers are frittering away around £300 million per annum and it further asserts that young men between 16 and 24 are the most likely to become addicted. Perhaps this statistic should show sites like Facebook that introducing real money gambling to a large audience who may not previously have considered it, is potentially dangerous. Of course there are no plans to advertise real money gambling to players under 18 but this doesn’t mean they won’t be exposed to it and we don’t really know how many are claiming to be older.
Spend only what you can afford to lose…
When you sit down for your cuppa and your nightly bingo session it may not seem like a big deal for your child to be watching. This is certainly true if you use it as an exercise about budgeting. Explain to them how much you allow yourself to spend on your chosen bingo site and how sticking to your budget is important. You can encourage sensible money management through showing your children how you manage your money and how they could potentially do the same. If they get pocket money you could explain how they could choose to save some and spend the rest on a day out with their friends or a special treat. Understanding your limits is key and teaching your children the importance of this is integral.
Of course there will always be children and adults who become problem gamblers but being open and honest with your own children is the best way of helping them avoid such a fate. Explain to them about Facebook’s real gambling options and warn them exactly why they’re not allowed to use them and as a bingo player yourself you can even give them a quick lesson in money management.
This post currently has no comments, be the first.
Leave a Comment