Internet Gamblers Urged To Be Careful
Published: Thursday, November 02, 2006 Online-Casinos.com
INTERNET GAMBLERS URGED TO BE CAREFUL
Problem gambling and debt advisors warn on dangers of undisciplined gambling
The Yorkshire Post reported on Internet gambling this week, quoting statistics from the UK Gambling Commission that less than one percent of the adult population was involved in gambling at the start of this decade, while today the figure has doubled to two percent.
Clearly it's still a minority, remarks the newspaper, but if the figures continue to increase at the same rate, it won't be long before a cause for concern turns into a serious problem.
The Post goes on to interview a problem gambling specialist. "It is in the last three to four years that internet gambling has really gained momentum," says Andrew Poole, head of online services at GamCare, a charity which addresses the social impact of problem gambling.
"Perhaps some of that can be attributed to online poker, which has been marketed incredibly heavily – but that only represents 12 percent of the problems from online gambling that we are told about at our face-to-face counselling sessions.
"Some 46 percent relate to fixed odds betting, 24 percent to online gaming – online casinos and so on – and another 12 percent to spread betting."
Stories of those lured into the apparently glamorous world of online poker and casinos, only to find themselves facing huge debts and at worst bankruptcy, are common claims the newspaper. With internet betting requiring just a computer and a credit card, the stakes are high.
"Gambling is getting a more glamorous image, particularly poker which is being presented as a celebrity pastime with television programmes devoted to the game," says managing director of the Debt Advisor, Bev Budsworth. "However, the really worrying aspect of internet gambling is that punters can use their credit cards.
"We are seeing an increase in the numbers of ordinary individuals seeking help for credit card debt racked up by internet gambling.
What many of them don't realise is that those who accrue debts through gambling are seen by credit card companies as reckless. If those people can't pay back their debts and need to contemplate Individual Voluntary Arrangements, creditors are likely to refuse their proposals.
"This leaves them with bankruptcy as their only choice, which not only means they may lose their job and their house, but a very real risk of having a Bankruptcy Restriction Order made against them, which could last for anything up to 15 years and in some cases can affect employment prospects, credit applications, and so on."
The Post comments that while many online companies insist they are already properly regulated, the sheer wealth of sites, often based abroad, means it is easy for addicts to flit through cyberspace racking up thousands of pounds worth of debts in a matter of months or even weeks.
However, while many campaigners believe the only way to prevent online gambling from spiralling out of control is to follow America's line in banning it, practically it's very difficult. Even those who see the grim reality of addiction fear such extreme measures might be a case of throwing the baby out with the bath water.
"Anecdotally we are seeing people who have gambled online for a short space of time, three to six months, and accrued significant debts," adds Andrew Poole, who backs the Government's decision to offer online gaming licences for companies based in the UK and plans for an international agreement to protect UK users of foreign sites.
"The amount is not really important – even small sums can have a major impact on the individual, but we don't think the US is going about it the right way. Gambling on the internet is a legitimate activity, a lot of people enjoy it without problems.
"A number of gambling operators have been self-regulating for a number of years now. We are confident that regulation is the right approach."
The lesson appears to be careful selection of properly regulated online gambling sites, and strong self-discipline by the gambler.
