Problem Gambling Study Reveals Highest Risk For Online Poker Players

16,500 adults were monitored in a study by The Swedish National Institute of Public Health to determine the effects of online poker, and the results are that the game of poker online, is indeed, creating more problem gamblers than other gaming outlets.

27% of the people studied are believed to be problem gamblers, and while that number is certainly altered by the definition the study used for problem gamblers, make no mistake about it, the game of poker, especially online, is a gateway to problem gambling.

The study goes into much detail, breaking down the differences in trends between women and men, and also problem gambling in poker as opposed to other gaming options, however, through all the numbers that they crunched, one thing is certain, regulation is needed to protect the online poker player.

The study reveals a disturbing truth to the online poker community, players are playing, whether governments are making it illegal or not, and the lack of regulation is causing many more problem gambler cases then if there were set guidelines to be followed.

Online Poker is an addictive game, studies do not have to be released to see the dangers in playing poker online. At casinos, which are growing around the World by the day, there are strict regulations on how gamblers can spend their money, and that is not to mention the diversions that players have while out in a casino.

Diversions such as night clubs, restaurants, and shows or concerts, are all available for poker players to get a break from the game.

While at home, however, players can just sit on their computer and play non stop until they either get tired and fall asleep, or they run through all the money in their bank accounts.

With the proper regulation, online poker can be monitored and the amount of problem gambling cases will decrease, but the current system in many countries is to think that making laws against online poker is solving the problem.

This could not be further from the truth. Players will find a way to play poker online if they wish to do so, whether legal or not, much like a drug abuser will find drugs whether legal or not.

Legalizing drugs is not an option, but legalizing and regulating online poker is, and if governments truly want to decrease the amount of problem gamblers, then they need to look into how to regulate the industry so that problem gambling on poker can be avoided.

The online poker gambling craze has arrived, and it is not going away anytime soon, so it is important that the proper steps be taken to avoid the problem gambling that is created by online poker.

Study after study has been produced, and no matter how anyone defines problem gambling, the truth is that poker is a very addictive game, and without the proper regulations for online providers, many families and careers will be ruined, and that is the concern that governments should be focusing on, not anti online gambling laws.

October 6, 2007
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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