Underage Sweepstakes Gaming

KYC

KYC (Know Your Customer) is a security process that involves verifying the identity of users in many industries, including online gambling.

It involves submitting valid documents to confirm the personal information that customers have provided, like their SNN, passport, driver’s license, or government-issued ID. Proof of address might also be required to confirm that the customer lives where they claim, which is important for online gaming because legalization differs by state.

The KYC process is crucial in preventing underage gaming, as platforms can stop minors from gaining authorized access through these verification checks.

In the US, online gaming sites are required by law to ensure that all players meet age requirements. At traditional online casinos, thorough KYC processes are implemented at the registration stage, with document verification necessary.

This is sometimes the case at sweepstakes casinos, too. However, their regulatory requirements are less strict, and this legal flexibility allows them to adjust their KYC process. Only basic personal information is often required for registration, while full KYC checks are delayed until purchases or redemptions are made.

Because of this, it is easier for underage individuals to access sweepstakes casinos, making it particularly important to monitor online activity and prevent access to such platforms.

Legal Age in the US

In the US, the legal age for participating in online gambling varies according to the state, with the age requirement being either 18 or 21 years old. Each state is responsible for setting the legal age for online gambling. However, sweepstakes casinos operate under a different set of regulations, so they often set specific age limits on their platforms. While most social sites require users to be 18, some sites set the minimum age to 21.

Why Does Sweepstakes Gaming Appeal to Underage Users?

Sweepstakes casinos might be particularly appealing to minors for a few reasons.

For one, they are easier to access as they don’t require a strict verification process for registration, unlike traditional gambling sites. They are also free to play and don’t require a real-money deposit to engage in gameplay, yet still offer real rewards. Underage users may consider sweepstakes gaming to be a harmless form of entertainment compared to gambling.

From an aesthetic perspective, sweepstakes casinos often look more like a cartoon video game than a serious casino. They use light-hearted imagery and themes, along with challenges, missions and rewards as part of the user experience. All of this is more likely to appeal to younger users.

Despite appearances, these platforms can still carry significant risks in creating problematic behavior for those who are underage. Purchases can be made, the potential for developing addiction is still there. The virtual currency used mimics real-money betting. This similarity might acclimatize minors to gambling environments and act as a gateway to other betting activities, so it is important to treat sweepstakes gaming with the same level of caution as traditional gambling.

Keeping Safe from Underage Gaming

As sweepstakes gaming becomes increasingly popular and accessible, it is important to prevent underage gaming. Here are a few steps to protect minors and ensure their online safety:

• Educating About the Risks – By familiarizing yourself with the risks of online gaming, you can, in turn, educate and guide those who are underage. If they’re aware of the potential dangers, they will understand better the severity of the consequences associated with sweepstakes gaming at a young age. It’s important to stress that sweepstakes gaming carries similar risks to traditional gambling despite seeming less harmful as there is less involvement of real money.
• Set a Positive Example – If a minor sees that you’re online gaming, they might follow your example and become influenced by your behavior. Therefore, it’s important to practice responsible and safe gaming while emphasizing that it is an activity strictly for adults.
• Monitoring Online Activity – Monitoring the online activity of young users is crucial in helping protect them from potential online risks. This includes regularly checking the websites or apps that they use. It is the only way to know for sure if they’re engaging in sweepstakes gaming so that you can take appropriate action.
• Seek Professional Assistance – If you do find that a minor is partaking in underage gaming and shows signs of addictive behavior, it could be helpful to seek external help. By doing so, the issue can be addressed by a professional who can offer guidance, assist in finding a solution, and prevent further underage gaming. Support is also available for those affected by underage gaming through national organizations, the National Council on Problem Gambling, local organizations, and youth-specific programs and support groups.

Preventing Access

Users of sweepstakes sites can take measures to secure their accounts so that they can’t be accessed by minors. Here are a few tips to ensure that your account is inaccessible:

• Account Security – When setting up your account, ensure that you create a unique password that can’t be guessed. You can also set up two-factor authentication to add another layer of security and prevent unauthorized access.
• Device Access – For sweepstakes gaming, only use devices that aren’t shared with anyone underage. If you share devices, consider setting up separate user profiles so your account is inaccessible.
• Logging Out – Remember to log out of your device after every session to stop anyone from accessing your account without permission. On some platforms, it is possible to set up automatic logout, which is useful if others use the same device.
• Blocking Sweepstakes Websites & Apps – Installing control software can help manage and track online activity on your devices and restrict specific platforms like sweepstakes casinos. We’ll explore the kinds of blocking apps available in the next section.

Blocking Apps

Software tools are available that can allow you to monitor and restrict content for minors. These tools can be used to block sweepstakes casinos and prevent underage gaming. Below are a few popular apps that can help to protect minors on the internet:

Net Nanny

Net Nanny is a software offering content filtering technology for Internet browsing. As a web page is loaded, it is analyzed and scanned, and inappropriate content is blocked in real time.

Unlike other blocking apps, Net Nanny can understand context rather than just blocking keywords. Users can monitor the online activity of those underage and customize filters for each individual. Time restrictions for device use, instant alerts when accessing blocked content, app blocking, and activity reports on internet usage are also available. The downside is that it isn’t available on Android or Chrome devices.

Qustodio

Qustodio works by filtering out inappropriate apps, games, and websites by automatic categorization. Users have a real-time dashboard where they can check the activity of the minor, including browsing history and screen time. Other features include extensive reports, daily and weekly limits, location tracking, panic buttons, social media, call, and SMS monitoring.

Aura

Aura is AI-powered comprehensive protection software. It provides parental control software, allowing users to block harmful content, limit screen time, track activity, and pause internet access. It also offers other security measures, including fraud and identity protection, antivirus defense, and a VPN, so it is an all-in-one solution for online security.

Norton Family

Norton Family is designed for users to oversee and manage online activities on Windows PCs and Android devices. This software offers content blocking, time management, video streaming supervision, and web search filtering. It also allows for the specific blocking of searching certain topics.

Risks of Underage Gaming

Sweepstakes gaming might appear less harmful since real-money wagering is not involved, but there are significant psychological and social risks similar to traditional betting. Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for cash prizes or other rewards, which can create addictive behavior and result in excessive gaming. It is important to be aware of the risks associated with sweepstakes gaming so that you understand the harm of underage gaming:

• Gaming Addiction – Gambling addiction is recognized as a behavioral disorder which can affect brain development in minors and lead to emotional, social, and financial problems. Like gambling, sweepstakes gaming can alter the brain’s reward systems and lead to individuals chasing the feeling of their next win or reward. Pathological sweepstake gaming during childhood or teenage years can also increase the likelihood of having a gambling addiction later in life.
• Mental Health Issues – Compulsive gaming can cause low self-esteem, stress, anxiety, and depression. Experiencing the ups and downs of gaming can have a severe impact on an individual’s well-being, particularly if they’re underage and more vulnerable.
• Impacting Daily Life & Relationships -Those affected by problem gaming can experience issues in their lives and relationships. Excessive gaming can lead to social withdrawal. Individuals might become emotionally distant from family and friends by hiding and lying about their gaming activities. For minors, their performance at school might be negatively impacted.
• Legal Consequences – It is important to remember that underage gambling is not legal. Depending on the platform, those under either 18 or 21 are strictly prohibited from sweepstakes gaming. Violating this can result in consequences like fines or account suspension.
• Financial Losses – While sweepstakes casinos use virtual currency, real money can be used to purchase Gold Coins or the equivalent. Since there is actual money involved, this could lead to potential financial losses in an effort to sustain gameplay.

Signs of Underage Gaming

Recognizing the signs of underage sweepstakes gaming is crucial, as early intervention can prevent the severe and potentially harmful consequences. The long-term risks can be avoided by identifying and addressing these issues early on. These are a few common indications:

• Behavioral Changes – Aggression, defensiveness, or signs of anxiety or depression during and after online sessions can signal that they’re engaging in potentially harmful online activities. Dependency on internet access, no longer being interested in previous hobbies, isolation from others, changes in sleep patterns, and dropping grades at school are other behavior changes that can indicate problem gaming.
• Unexplained Spending – Any unexplained charges to sweepstakes casinos on payment services are a clear sign. Asking for access to online payment methods is another indication. If they have their own digital payment methods and start asking for further funds or borrowing money, this could be a warning sign.
• Constantly on Device – Increased time spent on a digital device can indicate further online activities, such as online gaming. If unsupervised hours are spent on the device at night or in secret, it might suggest they’re trying to hide worrying online activity.
• Newfound Interest in Betting – If the individual begins talking and showing interest in betting or real money gambling, this may be a sign that they’re involved in online sweepstakes gaming. Sweepstakes casinos are primarily used by adults wanting to partake in casino-style gaming, mainly in states with restrictions surrounding online betting. This sudden interest would be unusual, especially in a child or teenager.
• Physical Signs – Compulsive gaming can manifest in physical signs like tiredness from late-night sessions, headaches and eye strains from screen time, and other health issues.

Encouraging Healthy Screen Time

Encouraging healthy screen time can play a key role in preventing the development of unhealthy online habits like sweepstakes gaming. Here are a few tips on creating a healthy and balanced digital environment:

• Set Time Limits – You can set a one- or two-hour screen time limit or a specific time of day when devices can be used. Creating a routine or schedule can produce a balanced approach to screen use. Come to an agreement with the underage person in advance, so that you are both accountable.
• Tech-Free Zones – Establish areas in your home where devices cannot be used, such as bedrooms and dining rooms.
• Encourage Offline Activities – Try to introduce interesting and fun offline activities, like reading, playing sports, or other hobbies.
• Allow Screen Time as a Reward – Make sure homework and chores are complete before allowing a limited amount of screen time.
• Be a Good Role Model – By reducing your screen time, you can set a positive example for those who are underage. If you’re constantly on your device, they’re more likely to view it as normalized behavior. Following the other tips yourself will help to reinforce them.