EXCLUSIVE: Call for tighter rules to stop kids gambling online

There are calls for stricter age checks on gambling websites after our exclusive investigation revealed how easy it is for children to place bets online.

Our 16-year old student reporter tested the system by setting up an account with fake details and making a deposit.

He was able to place a bet in just minutes.

The account was frozen after 72 hours, which is the amount of time bookies are legally given to check a customer's age with a passport or driving licence.

Mike Kenward of support group, GamCare called for the checks to take place straight away.

He told us, "You should have to verify that you are legally able to engage in using that product before you are able to stake your bet."

Recent figures suggested there are around 450,000 children aged between 11 and 15 gambling in the UK.

Clive Hawkswood from industry body, the Remote Gambling Association said, "The record of preventing underage gambling is very good in the industry and in an ideal world it would not happen at all.

"Parental responsibility also comes into it, if you have a bank account then really your children shouldn't have access to it"