Young people who experience early exposure to gambling are more likely to develop unhealthy gambling habits later on in life. As such, it is important to reduce the amount of exposure that children hand youths have to gambling activities and casino games. That’s why the South Australian government is cracking down on the sale and promotion of gambling products that are geared towards kids.
A recent press release outlines the government’s plan to safeguard children. A new draft regulation aims to restrict the way in which retailers across the state market certain toys to young people. The toys to which the laws will apply are based on various gambling activities, including: roulette, blackjack and poker.
“I have grave concerns that children are at risk of being exposed to gambling from a young age,” says Gail Gago, Minister For Business Services and Consumers. “These seemingly innocent games could lead to gambling more broadly”. The draft regulations come shortly after responsible gambling advocates made a case against two toy poker machines: Candy Jackpot Slot Machine and the Pokie Saver Money Bank.
Parents spoke out against the toys and demanded that they be pulled from shop shelves. Even though these games do not require players to wager real money, they do have the potential to normalise gambling among young people. Like play-money social casino games, they get children accustomed to wagering – and provides them with unrealistic perspectives on gambling and losses.
The new regulations will require retailers to include a statement that the toys are recommended for consumers over the age of 18. They will also be prohibited from advertising on platforms that are targeted at young people. These regulations will form the basis of a consultation. They will be sent to big name retailers across the state, including Coles, Woolworths and Target.
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