New software has been developed by the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation to help block gambling websites. The software, called BetStopper, was designed to help parents block online gambling sites on their home PCs. BetStopper is a new and improved version of Safe Eye Solutions, a software system originally created by InternetSafety.com. This new anti-gambling website software can also help block adult-related sites and control social networking activity, email usage and internet access by time, date and duration.
An article on the effects of online gambling published on Libraryindex.com reveals that generally, online gambling is more popular with the young and tech-savvy.  For younger generations who have grown up on video games and computers, these online games are no novelty.

Internet gambling is illegal for minors in Canada and the United States, however, kids are managing to get around age restrictions on these sites quite easily, making enforcement of this illegal activity increasingly difficult.

Even though parents may take the best precautions to ensure that they are aware of their kids’ online activities, it is always difficult to know exactly where kids are going and what they are doing online. With the help from software like BetStopper, parents can rest assured that they are one step closer to protecting their kids online. BetStopper is not yet available in the United States, but can be licensed outside of Nova Scotia by contacting the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation.

A Look into Youth Gambling

At first, it may seem like there would be no harm if your pre-teen were to create a “Neopet” online.  You would probably write it off as the latest craze. Yet if you dig deeper into it and actually spend some time on the popular Canadian site yourself, you will discover that visitors create pets and then collect “Neopoints” to spend on them, and that the Games Room section offers free gambling-based games such as “Neopoker”, “JubJub Blackjack” and “Diceroo.” But that raises a question of concern: Why would a site aimed for eight- to twelve-year olds promote gambling-style games? Could it possibly be for the purpose of grooming a generation of kids into adult gamblers?

Tips for Parents:

1. Establish rules about which online games your kids can play.

2. Remind your kids that it is illegal for youths to gamble online.

3. Help your kids understand how gambling works. Online gambling corporations are in existence to make a profit and take more money in than they pay out.

4. Explain how gambling can be addictive.

5. Let your kids know that your permission is required to use a credit card online.

6. Help your kids understand that credit card misuse and racking up debt can permanently damage your financial future.

7. Keep computers in an open, public place in your house (outside of kids’ bedrooms).

8. Limit the amount of time your kids spend online.

9. Investigate parental control software like BetStopper.

And, don’t forget that children learn best from the example set by their parents.

If your child or a child you know of is struggling with online gambling issues, click here for help. If you’re in the Greater Toronto Area, click here.

Posted in Internet Safety | addiction, gaming & addiction, news | |