In a bid to double down on underage gambling, regulated online casinos worldwide will lose winnings from those who are underage. As the gambling industry draws a firm line against illegal gambling, it is also adopting cutting-edge biometric facial age verification technology to help strengthen its platforms.

Global casino information resource portal Minimum Deposit Casinos (MDC), a division of the OneTwenty group, said these initiatives underscore how seriously the industry took this into consideration. Already in the US, five New Jersey casinos and one racetrack have forfeited $77,000 won by minors.

‘Online casinos are stepping up their game and this sensible approach serves as a deterrent, reinforcing that underage gambling literally does not pay. We are sending a strong warning to children to stay away from gambling sites. The lost proceeds will be redirected to the relevant government authorities, where they will support programmes such as compulsive gambling treatment,’ said Miranda Raaff, Head of iGaming Information at MDC.

‘In addition, the adoption of age verification tools marks a significant advancement in our ongoing mission. By integrating these advanced tools, the industry is not only keeping pace with the digital age, but also setting a new benchmark for player protection’.

Governments such as Germany and Argentina agree and have endorsed these verification tools for online sites. Australia is also hot on their heels, while the UK is considering it.

‘As this trend gains momentum, more online casinos and countries are expected to follow suit. In a world where digital access is a click away for every teenager, the fight against underage gambling is more crucial than ever,’ said Raaff.

The industry remains steadfast in its mission to protect minors. Through collaboration and a shared commitment to responsible gaming, we are making significant progress and will continue to advocate for a safer gaming environment around the world.