Implications for parents who let a minor play
Introduction
In Australia, the law strictly prohibits the participation of persons under the age of 18 in online gambling (Interactive Gambling Act 2001). Parents who knowingly or recklessly provided children with access to rates bear not only moral, but also real legal responsibility. Below is an analysis of the possible consequences.
1. Criminal liability
Promoting underage gambling
Under state law (for example, Gambling Act 1999 (Vic), Betting Act 1998 (NSW)) and the IGA federal law, parents who allow a child to bet can be punished with a fine or even imprisonment for "inducing or assisting" a minor in gambling.
Fraud and forgery
If someone else's or false documents were used to verify age, parents face charges of fraud and forgery of official papers (Criminal Code Act 1995).
2. Administrative fines
Penalties from ACMA and AUSTRAC
Parents whose credentials were used by the child are automatically identified as responsible users. The ACMA can impose an administrative fine of up to AUD 10,000 on them for breaching the IGA (allowing access to interactive gambling services for those under 18).
Fines under state laws
In some territories, recoveries reach an AUD of 5,000-20,000 for each offense identified, especially if repeated or systematic admission of minors to play is found.
3. Civil liability
Claim for damages
In case of serious financial losses of a minor, parents can be held liable - third parties (service providers, brokers) can demand that parents compensate for the debited money if the child is not able to pay.
Hold and Refund
Banks and payment systems under the chargeback procedure have the right to cancel transactions recognized as unauthorized (if committed by a child) and collect debited amounts from parents.
4. Child Protection Services Involvement
Guardianship intervention
Child Protection Services departments consider the admission of gambling as a form of "non-concern" and can initiate an administrative case for deprivation of parental rights or restriction of guardianship.
Psychological support
When a child is addicted, social services provide rehabilitation courses; expenses can be collected from parents as a child care plan by court order.
5. Reputational and social risks
Family implications
Serious conflicts, loss of trust of the child, undermining the authority of parents in the community and school.
Work and professional risks
If it came to a public hearing or a fine, the information can affect parents' careers, especially if they work in educational, government or financial institutions.
6. Prevention and recommendations
1. Technical limitations
Set parental controls on all devices (smartphones, computers, router).
Block sites and applications of online gambling operators through DNS filters (OpenDNS, CleanBrowsing).
2. Training and communication
Openly discuss gambling risks and legal consequences with children.
Set family rules: "not a single bet under 18 years old" with clear sanctions for violation.
3. Monitoring of financial transactions
Connect SMS alerts for any online transactions and check bank statements once a week.
Do not store data of cards and payment services in accounts to which the child has access.
4. Timely response
At the first sign of a child's interest in betting, contact the Gambling Help Online hotline (1800 858 858).
In case of an admitted rate, immediately initiate chargeback through the bank and file a complaint with ACMA.
Conclusion
Admission of a minor to online gambling entails a wide range of consequences for parents: from criminal and administrative fines to the intervention of guardianship authorities and undermining family relations. A set of preventive measures - technical barriers, transparent communication and financial monitoring - will help protect children and protect the family from serious consequences.
In Australia, the law strictly prohibits the participation of persons under the age of 18 in online gambling (Interactive Gambling Act 2001). Parents who knowingly or recklessly provided children with access to rates bear not only moral, but also real legal responsibility. Below is an analysis of the possible consequences.
1. Criminal liability
Promoting underage gambling
Under state law (for example, Gambling Act 1999 (Vic), Betting Act 1998 (NSW)) and the IGA federal law, parents who allow a child to bet can be punished with a fine or even imprisonment for "inducing or assisting" a minor in gambling.
Fraud and forgery
If someone else's or false documents were used to verify age, parents face charges of fraud and forgery of official papers (Criminal Code Act 1995).
2. Administrative fines
Penalties from ACMA and AUSTRAC
Parents whose credentials were used by the child are automatically identified as responsible users. The ACMA can impose an administrative fine of up to AUD 10,000 on them for breaching the IGA (allowing access to interactive gambling services for those under 18).
Fines under state laws
In some territories, recoveries reach an AUD of 5,000-20,000 for each offense identified, especially if repeated or systematic admission of minors to play is found.
3. Civil liability
Claim for damages
In case of serious financial losses of a minor, parents can be held liable - third parties (service providers, brokers) can demand that parents compensate for the debited money if the child is not able to pay.
Hold and Refund
Banks and payment systems under the chargeback procedure have the right to cancel transactions recognized as unauthorized (if committed by a child) and collect debited amounts from parents.
4. Child Protection Services Involvement
Guardianship intervention
Child Protection Services departments consider the admission of gambling as a form of "non-concern" and can initiate an administrative case for deprivation of parental rights or restriction of guardianship.
Psychological support
When a child is addicted, social services provide rehabilitation courses; expenses can be collected from parents as a child care plan by court order.
5. Reputational and social risks
Family implications
Serious conflicts, loss of trust of the child, undermining the authority of parents in the community and school.
Work and professional risks
If it came to a public hearing or a fine, the information can affect parents' careers, especially if they work in educational, government or financial institutions.
6. Prevention and recommendations
1. Technical limitations
Set parental controls on all devices (smartphones, computers, router).
Block sites and applications of online gambling operators through DNS filters (OpenDNS, CleanBrowsing).
2. Training and communication
Openly discuss gambling risks and legal consequences with children.
Set family rules: "not a single bet under 18 years old" with clear sanctions for violation.
3. Monitoring of financial transactions
Connect SMS alerts for any online transactions and check bank statements once a week.
Do not store data of cards and payment services in accounts to which the child has access.
4. Timely response
At the first sign of a child's interest in betting, contact the Gambling Help Online hotline (1800 858 858).
In case of an admitted rate, immediately initiate chargeback through the bank and file a complaint with ACMA.
Conclusion
Admission of a minor to online gambling entails a wide range of consequences for parents: from criminal and administrative fines to the intervention of guardianship authorities and undermining family relations. A set of preventive measures - technical barriers, transparent communication and financial monitoring - will help protect children and protect the family from serious consequences.
