The Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation (NSGC) has launched new software aimed at addressing what it sees as the growing problem of underage gambling.

Called BetStopper, the program claims to be the first to block children’s access to gambling content on the Internet.

The release of the software comes after the organisation launched a world-first pilot-test of the unique content blocking software in October 2006. 

250 participants in the pilot study installed the software on their home computers for a period of six months and completed two surveys that allowed NSGC to evaluate changes in perception, attitude and behaviour resulting from use of the software.

 The BetStopper program which claims to be the first of its kind in the world is offered as a free download and works by looking for gaming URLs and gaming language within the websites online. According to the Company, results have shown it to be 98% effective in blocking gambling websites.

 The software also includes security features such as automated telephone and email notifications which are sent to parents to notify them of each attempted connection to an online gambling site.

According to NSGC, the results of the study showed that use of the software increased awareness about underage gambling by 80%, with 92% of the pilot participants finding it an effective tool in combating underage gambling.

The introduction of national lotteries, new casinos, the increase of electronic gaming machines, and the introduction of remote gambling (e.g., Internet gambling, mobile phone gambling, interactive television gambling), has greatly increased the accessibility and popularity of gambling all over the world.

Problem gambling generally begins in adolescence and may start following a major life stress. Problem gambling occurs as a result of many different influences including biological, psychological and sociological factors.

Written for OnlineBingoReviews.com by Joy

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