The Online Poker Player Resource

The 2007 British Gambling Prevalence Survey revealed a few surprising details recently. One of was the fact that not much has changed since the last survey was conducted back in 1999. Despite the fact that the number of opportunities for UK’s population to gamble both in public and on the internet settings had grown, the major prevalence statistics did not show any real significant changes. The survey also had data that showed there was a decline in the percentage of those people who gambled. The number had dropped from 72. Those in the gambling industry were very anxious due to the fact that the data potentially could have been disastrous for gambling business in general. However, in the end it turned out that they had nothing to fear for the variables that mainly had to do with problem gambling seemed to have not significance at all.

The survey data also revealed that the general population did feel gambling was harmful for individuals and society and should not be encouraged. Despite this bias, on average, the general population did feel that a straight prohibition to gambling was wrong and people had the right to choose whether or not they wish to participate in such activities.

Although it was not measured in 1999, the survey data claimed that 6% of the gambling population participated in online gambling. Currently it is assumed that this is as sign of growth, meaning that there will be more and more people participating in online gambling activities in the near future especially since the UK has allowed there online gambling sites to advertise in the country.

The National Centre for Social Research conducted the 2007 survey on behalf of the UK Gaming Commission. The UK Gaming Commission, since the 2005 Gambling Act came into existence, has been the main organization the responsibility to "advise the Secretary of State on the prevalence, nature, and effects of gambling." There is another survey planned to take place during 2009-2010. This survey’s goal will be to examine the effects of the new legislation.