Matthew T asked:
In the UK, what sentence do underage gamblers receive when caught, and what happens to the gambling company. Could you give me preferably case studies and sources (although all information is greatly appreciated.) If you are savvy in this area keep an eye on me for more UK law and order questions. It will help me greatly in my school studies.
Information on both online and actual casinos would also be great
Ellen
In the UK, what sentence do underage gamblers receive when caught, and what happens to the gambling company. Could you give me preferably case studies and sources (although all information is greatly appreciated.) If you are savvy in this area keep an eye on me for more UK law and order questions. It will help me greatly in my school studies.
Information on both online and actual casinos would also be great
Ellen
Penalty is imposed on the gambling company for allowing underage people in gambling…..O K
In the UK it is difficult for anyone under 18 to gamble in a casino, as the membership checks are too strict, and you have to be a member or guest to enter and play. If someone under the age of 18 was signed in as a guest by a member, it would be the responsibility of the person who signed them in.
If a casino was failing to make checks on the age of guests or members this would be a matter for the Gaming Board, who would not be interested in the gambler, they would be interested in the casino.
The Gaming Board of Great Britain has been described as the most autocratic body since the Star Chamber, and their decisions can only be changed by the Home Secretary. They can order the instant closure of any casino in the country and do not have to give any particular reason why. The first day their authority became effective, they ordered the closure of 9 out of 10 casinos then operating in the country - about 900 closed. In the 1970’s when they observed that certain London Casinos were not being strict enough about membership, they ordered the closure of the 5 largest casinos in London. This was with immediate effect, and they also specified that the premises could not be used for anything else for a number of years. They closed the London Playboy club, which at the time was the only part of the Playboy organisation which was making money.
Outside casinos, there are bookmakers and ’slot machine arcade’ operators. Bookmakers have the same checks as the pubs, and again the onus is on the bookies to perform checks on punters who appear as if they are under 18. They stand to lose their licenses but I have never heard of any charges being brought on a gambler for making bets under age.
The slot machine arcades are notorious for under-age gambling. The prizes on offer in these places are strictly limited, and are normally only up to about $20 maximum. Unlike machines in clubs, you can play if you are over 16 years of age. Again, the penalties for allowing under age gamblers to play normally centre around removing the operator’s licence, as this would be a larger financial penalty than any fines a court would normally apply. Legal action against those caught gambling under age would normally be as part of a raft of measures used by the social services to control the behaviour of truants or those with a pattern of anti-social behaviour, young offending etc.
If you buy a lottery ticket under age and you win, you cannot collect the prize. So no big problem there. (in theory), though the shopkeeper can and should ask to see your ID if you look under 18. Again, loss of licence to sell tickets is the main penalty, no action would normally be taken against the gambler.
In the first instance, any complaints about under age gambling should be brought to the attention of the Gambling Comission, the web page is given below: