Casino Gambling
A recent study led by Dr Mark Griffiths of Nottingham Trent University, alongside Professor Jim Orford and the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), has found that players who wager online are more susceptible to what’s known as "problem gambling". Players considered as problem gamblers include those who wager more than they can afford and gamers who feel an urge to wager even though the consequences of their gambling would be overwhelmingly negative. Whilst there’s no agreed consensus on the term, it’s now used more often than “compulsive gambling” and is recognised as a form of addiction.
The study, entitled Internet gambling: A secondary analysis of findings from the 2007 British Gambling Prevalence Survey, found that the level of problem gambling among those who wager in online casinos was 10 times higher than those who wagered in land-based casinos and other gaming venues. The study was also able to pinpoint the differences between online and non-online players. According to the research, online players were likely to be male, young adults, well educated and in professional employment.
Dr. Griffiths suggested that the research shows the need for more online help and support groups for those dealing with an addiction to internet gambling. Griffiths also noted that “gaming companies need to acknowledge they will need to provide even better social responsibility infrastructures online than offline to minimise the harm to problem gamblers.”
If you’re worried you may have a gambling addiction, or would like help with your gambling, then we recommend you contact Gamblers Anonymous.
