Safeguarding Children and Young People During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Online Gambling is the practice of placing bets on games or events via the Internet. It can include betting exchanges, sports betting, online slots, poker, lotteries, and other games that require a mix of chance and skill. Online gambling is legal in some countries, while others prohibit it or restrict it to citizens of certain ages or geographical regions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important for parents and teachers to stay up-to-date with the latest research on Online Gambling. This article by Lorna Ponambalum, a highly-experienced designated safeguarding lead and senior leadership education professional, shares knowledge and advice on this topic with signposts to available support.

While the majority of online gambling takes place on casino websites, there are other options available. Some online casinos offer time-out periods, allowing players to lock themselves out of their accounts for a set amount of time. This can be useful for new players who want to ensure they don’t deplete their bankroll too quickly, or for experienced players who wish to avoid losing control.

The best online casinos will invest in high-quality games, and will have them audited by third parties to ensure that they are fair and unbiased. This is a key factor for player safety, as it means that the game manufacturer is incentivized to create a game that has been proven to be fair and trustworthy. This also prevents casinos from rigging games, as they wouldn’t be able to do so without having direct access to the software.