Prepaid cards for minors: risks
Introduction
Prepaid cards are a popular tool in online gambling due to their anonymity and ease of use. However, it is these qualities that make them potentially accessible to underage players. Despite the ban on gambling for under-18s in Australia, practice shows that teenagers can use such cards to circumvent restrictions.
Why minors choose prepaid cards
1. Lack of a bank account - teenagers do not always have access to credit or debit cards, so prepayment becomes an alternative for them.
2. Ease of purchase - some cards can be purchased in stores or online without strict identity verification.
3. Anonymity - Casinos that accept deposits through prepaid cards often do not require the disclosure of all personal data at the stage of depositing funds.
4. Quick activation - the card code allows you to instantly top up your casino account without long checks.
Main risks of underage use
Access to gambling: Cards allow you to bypass bank filters and age checks.
Financial loss: Teens can spend money impulsively without realizing the risks.
No legal protection: winnings received by minors can be canceled, and the deposit is not returned.
Social and psychological consequences: Early involvement in gambling increases the risk of addiction.
Risks for operators: A casino that allowed a minor to play could face heavy fines and license revocation.
Protection and control measures
1. Sales restrictions: official card providers are introducing age verification mechanisms when buying online.
2. KYC procedures in the casino: even with a deposit through prepayment, players are required to undergo verification before withdrawing funds.
3. Parental controls: Tools are available in Australia to restrict access to online payments in minors.
4. Responsible advertising: prepaid cards should not be positioned as a tool for playing without restrictions.
Examples of the most vulnerable solutions
Visa/Mastercard gift cards - easily bought in supermarkets and can be used in casinos.
Paysafecard is popular with young people as it is available at retail outlets.
Neosurf and Flexepin are digital codes that can be obtained online, making it easier for teenagers to access.
Result
The use of prepaid cards by minors for gambling is a serious problem that affects players, families and casino operators. The main risks are related to anonymity, ease of purchase and lack of age control during the acquisition phase. To reduce the threat, it is important to strengthen verification measures, implement parental controls and increase operator responsibility.
Prepaid cards are a popular tool in online gambling due to their anonymity and ease of use. However, it is these qualities that make them potentially accessible to underage players. Despite the ban on gambling for under-18s in Australia, practice shows that teenagers can use such cards to circumvent restrictions.
Why minors choose prepaid cards
1. Lack of a bank account - teenagers do not always have access to credit or debit cards, so prepayment becomes an alternative for them.
2. Ease of purchase - some cards can be purchased in stores or online without strict identity verification.
3. Anonymity - Casinos that accept deposits through prepaid cards often do not require the disclosure of all personal data at the stage of depositing funds.
4. Quick activation - the card code allows you to instantly top up your casino account without long checks.
Main risks of underage use
Access to gambling: Cards allow you to bypass bank filters and age checks.
Financial loss: Teens can spend money impulsively without realizing the risks.
No legal protection: winnings received by minors can be canceled, and the deposit is not returned.
Social and psychological consequences: Early involvement in gambling increases the risk of addiction.
Risks for operators: A casino that allowed a minor to play could face heavy fines and license revocation.
Protection and control measures
1. Sales restrictions: official card providers are introducing age verification mechanisms when buying online.
2. KYC procedures in the casino: even with a deposit through prepayment, players are required to undergo verification before withdrawing funds.
3. Parental controls: Tools are available in Australia to restrict access to online payments in minors.
4. Responsible advertising: prepaid cards should not be positioned as a tool for playing without restrictions.
Examples of the most vulnerable solutions
Visa/Mastercard gift cards - easily bought in supermarkets and can be used in casinos.
Paysafecard is popular with young people as it is available at retail outlets.
Neosurf and Flexepin are digital codes that can be obtained online, making it easier for teenagers to access.
Result
The use of prepaid cards by minors for gambling is a serious problem that affects players, families and casino operators. The main risks are related to anonymity, ease of purchase and lack of age control during the acquisition phase. To reduce the threat, it is important to strengthen verification measures, implement parental controls and increase operator responsibility.
