Underage Gambling Policy

Cosmobet maintains an absolute zero-tolerance policy regarding underage gambling. Gambling is an activity intended exclusively for adults, and we are unequivocally committed to preventing minors from accessing our services. This commitment stems not merely from legal obligation under our Curaçao Gaming Control Board licence but from a genuine understanding that gambling poses particular risks to young people and that protecting them from these risks is both a moral imperative and a fundamental responsibility of any legitimate gambling operator.

The developing brains of young people make them particularly susceptible to addictive behaviors, including gambling addiction. Adolescents are more prone to impulsive decision-making, less able to accurately assess risk, and more vulnerable to the excitement and reward mechanisms that gambling triggers. They typically lack the financial resources and judgment to gamble responsibly, and the consequences of early exposure to gambling can be severe and long-lasting. Research consistently shows that individuals who begin gambling at a young age are significantly more likely to develop gambling problems later in life, with some studies suggesting the risk is two to three times higher than for those who begin gambling as adults.

This policy document explains our approach to preventing underage gambling, describes the measures we employ to verify the age of our customers, outlines the consequences when underage gambling is detected, and provides guidance for parents and guardians on protecting young people from gambling-related harm.

Legal Requirements and Our Standards

The law in virtually every jurisdiction where gambling is permitted establishes a minimum age for participation. In Curaçao, where Cosmobet is licensed and regulated, the legal gambling age is 18 years. Throughout most other countries where we operate, the minimum age is also 18, though some jurisdictions set the threshold at 21 for certain types of gambling. Our policy is straightforward: you must be at least 18 years old to use Cosmobet, and if the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction is higher than 18, you must have reached that age. There are no exceptions to this requirement under any circumstances.

The Curaçao Gaming Control Board, our primary regulator, imposes specific obligations regarding the prevention of underage gambling on all licensed operators. These include requirements to verify the age of customers before allowing gambling, to maintain records of verification procedures, to exclude minors when identified, to train staff on recognizing and responding to potential underage gambling, and to cooperate with authorities in enforcing age restrictions. We comply fully with all regulatory requirements and in many cases exceed them through additional voluntary measures.

Our commitment to preventing underage gambling extends to all aspects of our business. Our marketing materials do not target young people or feature content, characters, imagery, or themes likely to appeal primarily to minors. We do not advertise on platforms with predominantly young audiences or during children's programming. Our website design avoids elements that could be perceived as child-friendly or that might attract underage visitors. Our games are adult entertainment products, and we present them as such. We never suggest that gambling is a normal or expected activity for young people.

Age Verification Procedures

We employ multiple layers of verification to ensure that only adults can access our services. These verification procedures begin at registration and continue throughout the customer relationship, creating a robust system that makes it extremely difficult for minors to gamble on our platform.

At the point of registration, all prospective customers must provide their date of birth as part of the sign-up process. Our systems automatically calculate age from this information and will immediately block registration attempts from anyone indicating they are under 18 years of age. The registration form cannot be completed, and no account is created. While we recognize that someone could provide a false date of birth to circumvent this initial check, this first barrier establishes the customer's representation regarding their age and provides a foundation for subsequent verification.

Following registration, all customers must complete a comprehensive identity verification process before they can withdraw funds from their account. This verification requires submission of official government-issued identification documents such as a passport, driver's license, or national identity card. These documents must display a photograph of the holder and their date of birth, allowing us to confirm that the customer matches the identity provided during registration and is indeed at least 18 years of age. Documents are reviewed by our trained compliance team, who check for authenticity, clarity, and consistency with registration information.

We work with specialized third-party verification services, including GBG and Jumio, that cross-reference the information provided by customers against official databases, electoral rolls, and public records. These services can quickly identify discrepancies between claimed identity and actual records, helping us detect both underage users attempting to use false information and fraudulent use of adult identities obtained through identity theft. The combination of document review and database verification creates a highly effective age verification system that is very difficult to circumvent.

Beyond these standard procedures, we employ additional verification checks when our risk assessment indicates they may be warranted. If account behavior suggests that a user may not be who they claim to be, such as unusual patterns of play, inconsistent device usage, or information that does not match expected patterns for the stated demographic, we may request additional documentation or impose restrictions pending further verification. Our compliance team continuously monitors for patterns that might indicate underage gambling or identity fraud.

We may also impose deposit and betting limits on accounts pending full verification, limiting potential harm in the event that an underage user does manage to create an account. New accounts are subject to enhanced monitoring until verification is complete.

Consequences of Underage Gambling

When we discover or have reasonable grounds to believe that an account belongs to a minor, we take immediate and decisive action. Our response is designed both to address the specific instance of underage gambling and to fulfill our responsibilities to regulators, to society, and to the young person involved.

Upon identification of a suspected underage user, the account is immediately suspended pending investigation. During this suspension, no gambling activity is possible, no bets can be placed, no games can be accessed, and no transactions can be processed. Our compliance team then conducts a thorough review of the account, examining verification documents, account creation information, device fingerprints, account activity, and any other relevant information.

If our investigation confirms that the account holder is or was underage at the time of gambling, the account is permanently closed with no possibility of reinstatement. All gambling transactions conducted on the account are voided as though they never occurred, because gambling contracts with minors are legally unenforceable. Any winnings accumulated in the account are forfeited entirely, as these were obtained in violation of our terms and conditions and through what constitutes illegal activity on the part of the underage gambler.

Regarding deposits made by an underage user, our approach balances legal requirements, regulatory guidance, and fairness considerations. Original deposit amounts may be returned to the payment source, provided we can verify that the payment method legitimately belongs to the minor and was not used without authorization. If payments were made using a parent's or other adult's payment method without authorization, we work with that adult to arrange appropriate return of funds. Amounts already lost through gambling are typically not refunded, as these losses resulted from the minor's own illegal activity in accessing our services.

We report instances of underage gambling to the Curaçao Gaming Control Board as required by our licence conditions. We cooperate fully with the regulator in their investigation of such incidents and provide all requested information about how the underage access occurred and what measures we are taking to prevent recurrence. In cases involving significant gambling activity or other aggravating factors, we may make additional reports to other relevant authorities. In extreme cases involving substantial fraud, identity theft, or other serious circumstances, we may refer matters for potential criminal investigation.

Education and Awareness

Preventing underage gambling requires more than enforcement measures; it also requires education. Young people need to understand why gambling is restricted to adults and what harms can result from gambling before they are mature enough to handle it responsibly. Parents, guardians, and educators need to understand the risks and how to protect young people from them.

For young people who may be reading this page, we want to be clear about why gambling is restricted. Gambling involves risking money on uncertain outcomes, and while it can be entertaining for adults who approach it responsibly, it carries real dangers. The excitement of gambling can be particularly intense for young people, whose brains are wired for novelty, excitement, and reward-seeking. This neurological profile makes it easier for gambling to become compulsive and harder to maintain control.

The teenage brain is still developing, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and risk assessment. This development continues until the mid-twenties. This means that young people are biologically less equipped to make sound gambling decisions, to recognize when gambling is becoming problematic, and to stop when they should. By waiting until adulthood to gamble, you allow your brain to mature and develop the judgment and impulse control that help maintain responsible behavior.

Financial consequences are another major concern. Young people typically do not have the income to sustain gambling losses, and money lost to gambling could otherwise support education, experiences, savings for future goals, or simply enjoying life without financial stress. Debts incurred through gambling at a young age can follow someone for years, affecting their ability to attend university, start a career, rent an apartment, or build financial stability. Some young people who gamble using money that is not theirs end up in legal trouble or with damaged family relationships.

Perhaps most importantly, research shows that early gambling significantly increases the risk of developing gambling problems in adulthood. Studies indicate that people who begin gambling before age 18 are two to three times more likely to develop problem gambling later in life. The restrictions on underage gambling exist to protect you and give you the best chance of enjoying gambling responsibly if you choose to do so as an adult.

If you are under 18 and have been gambling, or if you know other young people who are gambling, please reach out to a trusted adult such as a parent, teacher, school counselor, or other family member. You can also contact GamCare's helpline at 0808 8020 133, which provides confidential support including for young people. There is help available, and seeking it is the right thing to do.

Guidance for Parents and Guardians

Parents and guardians play an essential role in protecting young people from gambling-related harm. While we work diligently to prevent minors from accessing our services, determined young people may attempt to circumvent these protections, and parental vigilance provides an important additional safeguard.

Open communication about gambling is one of the most effective preventive measures. Talk with your children about what gambling is and how it works. Explain that gambling companies, including casinos, betting sites, and lotteries, are businesses designed to make money, and that the odds always favor the house over time. Help them understand that gambling is not a reliable way to make money and that most people who gamble lose money over time. Discuss how the excitement of winning can be compelling but that this excitement can lead to chasing losses and making poor decisions. Make clear that gambling is restricted to adults because young people are more vulnerable to these risks.

Talk about the different forms gambling can take, including some that young people may not recognize as gambling. This includes not only obvious forms like casino games and sports betting but also in-game purchases and loot boxes in video games, skin gambling in esports, social casino apps that simulate gambling, and card game trading that involves real money. Help your children recognize gambling elements in activities they may already be engaged in.

Be aware of your children's online activities and the websites and applications they use. While young people deserve age-appropriate privacy, parents should maintain enough oversight to ensure their children are not engaging in harmful activities. This is particularly important given that many gambling-related problems begin online, where access is relatively easy and parental supervision may be limited. Know what devices your children have access to, what apps are installed, and how they spend their time online.

Secure your own gambling accounts and payment methods carefully. If you gamble online, use strong and unique passwords that your children do not know and that they could not easily guess. Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts where available. Do not allow your children to know passwords or PINs that could provide access to gambling sites or to payment methods they could use for gambling. Log out of gambling accounts on shared devices rather than remaining logged in for convenience. Do not save payment card details on devices that children can access. Keep payment cards physically secure and monitor statements for unauthorized transactions.

Consider installing parental control software and gambling-specific blocking tools on devices used by your children. Parental control software can restrict access to certain categories of websites including gambling, can limit when and how long devices can be used, and can provide reports on internet activity. Common options include Net Nanny at www.netnanny.com, Qustodio at www.qustodio.com, Norton Family at family.norton.com, and Bark at www.bark.us. These tools can also monitor for other concerning content and activity.

Gambling-specific blockers provide an additional layer of protection focused specifically on gambling content. Gamban at www.gamban.com, BetBlocker at www.betblocker.org, and GamBlock at www.gamblock.com are all options that can be installed on family computers and devices. These tools maintain comprehensive and regularly updated lists of gambling websites and prevent access to them.

Watch for warning signs that a young person may be gambling. These might include unexplained interest in sporting events, odds, or betting terminology, possession of gambling applications or evidence of visits to gambling websites in browser history, requests for money without clear explanation or unexplained spending, secretive behavior around device usage including quickly switching screens when you approach, mood changes that seem related to sports results or other gambling-relevant events, possessing more money than expected or asking to borrow money frequently, declining academic performance or loss of interest in previous activities and hobbies, and withdrawal from family activities or changes in friendship groups.

If you discover that your child has been gambling, respond thoughtfully rather than purely punitively. While there should be consequences for breaking rules, young people who have been gambling may feel ashamed, frightened, or defensive, and a harsh response may make them less likely to be honest or to seek help. Try to understand what drew them to gambling, whether there are underlying issues such as stress, peer pressure, or emotional difficulties that gambling was addressing, and what can be done to prevent recurrence. Consider whether professional support might be helpful, particularly if gambling appears to have become compulsive or if significant financial loss has occurred. GamCare and other support organizations offer services for young people and for families affected by gambling.

Reporting Underage Gambling

If you become aware of a minor using our platform or attempting to access our services, we urge you to report this information to us immediately. Your report could prevent a young person from experiencing serious harm and helps us improve our prevention measures.

To report suspected underage gambling, please contact our compliance department by email at compliance@cosmobet.com. Provide as much detail as possible, including any account information such as username or email address, the suspected minor's name and approximate age if known, how you became aware of the situation, your relationship to the minor if applicable, and any other relevant information that might help our investigation. All reports are taken seriously and investigated promptly, typically within 24 hours.

You may also report suspected underage gambling directly to our customer support team through live chat on our website or by telephone at +356 2778 0500. While the compliance department handles formal investigations, our support team is available around the clock and can take immediate action to suspend suspicious accounts pending investigation.

Reports can be made anonymously if you prefer, although providing your contact information may help us follow up if we need additional information during our investigation. We treat all reports confidentially and will not disclose your identity to the suspected underage gambler or their family without your explicit consent.

We are also happy to receive general feedback about our underage gambling prevention measures. If you notice anything about our platform, marketing, or operations that you believe could appeal to minors or that could make it easier for young people to gamble, please let us know. Your insights help us continuously improve our protections. Feedback can be sent to compliance@cosmobet.com.

Industry and Regulatory Cooperation

Preventing underage gambling is not a challenge that any single operator can solve alone. It requires cooperation across the gambling industry, coordination with regulators, and partnership with technology providers, researchers, educators, and advocacy organizations. Cosmobet is committed to participating actively in these collaborative efforts.

We work closely with the Curaçao Gaming Control Board to ensure that our underage gambling prevention measures meet and exceed regulatory requirements. We participate in regular audits and inspections, report incidents as required, and implement any recommendations or requirements from the regulator promptly. We engage constructively with regulatory consultations on proposals to strengthen player protection.

We participate in industry initiatives aimed at developing best practices and shared standards for age verification and underage gambling prevention. We share learnings with other operators, where appropriate and legally permitted, to help identify individuals who have been excluded from gambling due to age or other factors. We support industry efforts to improve the effectiveness of self-exclusion programs across operators.

We invest in technology that improves age verification and fraud detection. As new verification techniques become available, including document verification improvements, database cross-referencing capabilities, and biometric verification, we evaluate and implement those that enhance our ability to prevent underage gambling. We work with our technology partners to stay at the leading edge of verification capabilities.

We support research into underage gambling, its causes, risk factors, and effective prevention strategies. We believe that evidence-based approaches are essential to reducing gambling harm among young people. We also support educational initiatives that help young people, parents, and educators understand gambling risks.

Cosmobet – Committed to Protecting Young People