Almost 200,000 people enjoy online gambling

Despite the global economic downturn, many people are gambling online and trying their luck to earn some extra cash. The sudden increase in online betting, ignited by Labour’s betting rules, has produced almost 15,000 new enthusiasts in a single year.

A recent survey, conducted by the Gambling Commission, revealed 5.6 per cent of over 16s had taken part in ‘remote gambling’ in the year 2008. If this result is compared with 2007 the rise is up from 5.2 per cent. When applied to the population of the UK as a whole, it indicates almost 2.7 million online gamblers, a rise of 198,000 compared to the last year.

Experts believe that 7.4 per cent of these players can be problem gamblers which would denote almost 200,000 online addicts as a whole. If this is compared with the past year, it is up by 14,700.

Separate statistics propose that the average total of debt for every problem gambler is £17,500. The Tories believe that the answer was clear proof of the high levels of gloom brought about by the controversial decision of the government to simplify the gambling rules and allow TV ads for bookmakers, gambling websites and casinos. The majority of people who enjoy playing these games are sensible with their money and play for fun. Playing online Bingo and poker has become extremely popular, especially among women.