By Keith Whyte, Executive Director
National Council on Problem Gambling
Gambling over the Internet has a number of risk factors--including access unlimited by time or geographical location; inability to verify participant age; anonymity and social isolation of users; use of credit or non-cash means of payment--the nature of these risk factors could lead to higher rates of problem gambling for Internet gamblers. Indeed, one recent study of patients in primary care clinics found that 75 percent of the respondents who gambled on the Internet met criteria for a gambling problem.
However, the nature of the Internet may enable a much greater level of responsible gaming than is possible in traditional gaming operations. Internet gaming operators have total control over the parameters of the gaming environment, plus extensive information regarding player behavior. The number of potential responsible gaming interventions is almost unlimited.
The presentation will explore this paradox by reviewing identified risk factors for problem gambling by gamblers using the Internet. Examples of current responsible gaming policies from gaming websites around the world will also be provided. The paper will conclude with a discussion of potential harm minimization measures and directions for future research and policy initiatives.
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This paper represents the personal views of Keith Whyte and does not represent the views of the board of directors of the National Council on Problem Gambling.