An intermediate-aged boy from New Zealand has found himself in a world of trouble after racking up a staggering $16,000 in online gambling debt. The 13-year-old, whose name has been withheld for legal reasons, reportedly spent the money on various online gambling websites over a period of several months.
According to reports, the boy had been using his parents’ credit card without their knowledge to fund his addiction. It wasn’t until the credit card bill arrived that the parents discovered the extent of their son’s gambling habits.
The boy’s parents, who were shocked and devastated by the news, immediately contacted their bank and the online gambling sites to try and recover the funds. They also sought help from local authorities and addiction support services to address their son’s gambling addiction.
In a statement to the New Zealand Herald, the boy’s parents said, “We had no idea that our son was gambling online. It’s a wake-up call for all parents to be vigilant and monitor their children’s online activities closely. We are working closely with our son to address his addiction and ensure that he gets the help he needs.”
Online gambling has become a growing concern in New Zealand, with many young people getting hooked on the thrill of betting and winning money online. According to recent studies, an estimated 8% of adolescents in New Zealand have engaged in online gambling, with many of them developing problematic gambling habits.
Experts warn that young people who start gambling at a young age are at a higher risk of developing gambling addiction later in life. They urge parents to educate their children about the dangers of online gambling and to monitor their online activities closely.
The incident involving the 13-year-old boy has sparked calls for stricter regulations on online gambling websites and better education and support for young people at risk of developing gambling addiction. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online gambling and the importance of parents being vigilant and proactive in monitoring their children’s online activities.
