Online gambling continues to skyrocket in its phenomenal growth. Revenues for online gambling are expected to exceed $18 billion by the end of 2010. More and more online casinos open every month, and there are over 2,000 in existence today. With all of this growth, many are questioning the link between online casinos and gambling addictions.
Are Online Casinos Fueling Gambling Addictions?
The rapid growth in online gambling has triggered a rigorous debate regarding its role in fueling gambling addictions. Based upon gambling addiction information, in the United States alone, there are more than six million people who face a gambling addiction. However, is there a correlation between online gambling and a growing rate of addiction?
According to Dr. Suzanne Graupner Pike from the San Diego Center for Pathological Gambling, casinos, whether online or traditional brick-and-mortar, do not cause gambling addictions. “Gambling, in and by itself, does not ‘cause’ problems.” Instead, in approximately 4% of the population, pathological gambling occurs because they like the adrenaline rush or use it as a means of escape.
We do know that problem gambling is rising, especially among certain populations. For example, currently half of all college men engage in gambling monthly, encouraged by the popularity of poker. In addition, according to a Harvard Public Health Task Force, 11% of college students have a gambling problem.
However, whether or not online casinos are contributing to gambling addiction is still an unanswered question. Additional research on online gambling addiction information is currently being conducted to develop more long-term longitudinal data.
Symptoms of a Gambling Addiction
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling addiction information, more than 80% of the American adult population gambles at least once annually, and the vast majority practice responsible gambling. Out of this group, only 1% is considered pathological gamblers, while another 2% have problems with gambling.
Those who suffer from gambling addiction meet a certain criteria, such as, but not limited to the following:
• Gamble longer than planned
• Gambled every last dollar
• Used money for bills or savings to gamble
• Used illegal means to acquire money for gambling
Gambling addiction becomes a major concern when individuals have family problems due to financial crisis, savings are lost, credit card debt soars, and illegal activity becomes prominent in order to sustain the habit.
The Link between Legalization and Decreased Addiction
Although legalized gambling has increased the numbers of players, there has been additional legislation, particularly in the United States, that help prevent compulsive gamblers from deepening their addiction. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 created strict prohibitions and limitations on how a gambler could finance his or her activities. Money can no longer be sent via check, electronic funds transfer, or credit card. Legislators hope that by limiting funding options to only checking accounts, the move will help family members of addicted gamblers recognize the problem and encourage treatment.
With the gambling addiction information available, we know that the problem will always exist, whether or not the casinos operate online or through traditional, brick-and-mortar establishments. However, with the help of federal and state legislation, players can practice responsible gambling, especially in a legalized gambling scenario.