Fact Check: "Online gambling is now available 24/7, targeting all age levels."
What We Know
Online gambling has indeed become increasingly accessible, with many platforms offering services around the clock. A study highlights that youth are particularly at risk due to the lack of effective age restrictions in online gambling environments. Many young individuals can easily bypass age verification by simply clicking to indicate they are over the legal age, which is often set at 18 or 21 depending on the jurisdiction (A Perspective on Age Restrictions and Other Harm).
Moreover, the prevalence of online gambling among youth and young adults is significant, with estimates suggesting that 4% to 24% of individuals aged 13 to 24 engage in online gambling activities (A Perspective on Age Restrictions and Other Harm). This indicates that while there are age restrictions in place, they may not be effectively enforced, allowing younger individuals to access gambling platforms.
Analysis
The claim that online gambling is available 24/7 is supported by the current landscape of online gambling platforms, which operate continuously and are accessible from various devices. However, the assertion that it targets "all age levels" requires a more nuanced examination. While online gambling sites may not explicitly target minors, the lack of stringent age verification measures allows underage individuals to participate (A Perspective on Age Restrictions and Other Harm).
Furthermore, the convergence of gambling and video gaming has created environments where young people can engage in gambling-like activities without direct monetary stakes, such as through loot boxes and social casino games (A Perspective on Age Restrictions and Other Harm). This blurring of lines between gaming and gambling can inadvertently expose younger audiences to gambling behaviors, even if the platforms themselves are not directly marketing to them.
In terms of source reliability, the article from Frontiers in Psychiatry is a peer-reviewed publication, which lends credibility to its findings. However, it is essential to consider that while the research highlights risks associated with youth gambling, it does not provide a comprehensive overview of all online gambling practices and regulations globally.
Conclusion
The claim that "online gambling is now available 24/7, targeting all age levels" is Partially True. While online gambling platforms are indeed accessible at all hours and can be accessed by individuals of various ages, the targeting of all age levels is more complex. Age restrictions exist but are often ineffective, allowing younger individuals to engage in gambling activities. Thus, while the availability is universal, the targeting aspect is indirect and largely a consequence of enforcement failures.
