No Increase in Online Gambling Addicts Since 1999

While the Interactive Gaming Council, (IGC) and others had fears of increased gambling problems among British citizens due to online and mobile gambling, it seems that this ever so accessible and convenient form of gambling, has not raised the amount of addicted gamblers.

The British Gambling Prevalence Survey, from the British Gambling Commission, has shown through their research that there has not been any raise in the number of problem gamblers since 1999, which is when the last survey was conducted.

But while the IGC is happy with the fact that gambling problems have not increased in Britain in the past several years, the are concerned that the number has not decreased meaning there is still a small problem.

"Even one problem gambler is one too many, and the IGC, along with its members, will continue its efforts to ensure that Internet gamblers enjoy this form of entertainment in a socially responsible manner", stated IGC's executive in chief John FitzGerald.

The details of the conducted survey shows that within the past year, only 3 percent of the British population are using the internet for playing online games such as poker or casino games, 4 percent are using the internet for placing bets with an online bookmaker, and six percent of population are using the internet to gamble.

But while these figures seem relatively small, this is only a portion of the gamblers in Britain and there is concern that these survey results will soon show increases. As recent analyst reports are predicting that by the year 2010, the value of mobile gambling will increase to $12 billion.