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Online poker does not contribute to ‘Problem Gamblers’
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In the United States in 1999 the National Gambling Impact Study stated "the high-speed instant gratification of Internet games and the high level of privacy they offer may exacerbate problem and pathological gambling".
The above statement would seem to condemn online gambling, but there is a single word in the statement that makes the entire assertion utter hogwash: That word is may; which I took the liberty of highlighting above.
If I play the lottery every day I may become a millionaire. If I go to the club every night I may marry a supermodel.
See I can use that word too! It doesn’t make my statements any more likely to be true. In fact it basically makes me sound as foolish as the National Gambling Impact Study. Besides their clever use of the word may, there is a mountain of evidence showing online gambling (and poker in particular) does not increase the number of problem gamblers.
First I should define exactly what a “Problem Gambler’ is: The only research based definition comes to us from Australia “Problem gambling is characterized by many difficulties in limiting money and/or time spent on gambling which leads to adverse consequences for the gambler, others, or for the community.” Most other definitions of problem gambling can usually be simplified to any gambling that causes harm to the gambler or someone else in any way.
The problem gambler will always find a game
Available research seems to indicate that problem gambling is an internal tendency, and that problem gamblers will tend to risk money on whatever game is available, rather than a particular game being available inducing problem gambling in otherwise "normal" individuals.
Basically, a problem gambler will bet on roulette, a horse race, or what color the next car that drives by will be! Removing a gambling outlet does not put an end to the problem gambler’s addiction. In fact, it can lead to more serious problems.
When legitimate methods of gambling are taken away the problem gambler will turn to underground games –which can be both crooked and dangerous. Internet sites have a strict policy of “you pay up front”; in an underground game (usually run by organized crime syndicates) there are always parties willing to ‘lend’ you money, charging exorbitant interest rates of course. Internet sites also set deposit maximums; while these appear silly (most sites allow players to deposit $5,000 a day) it is a much better failsafe than letting a player lose their life savings, and then go into hock, in one horrible evening.
Problem Gamblers crave action
Research also indicates that problem gamblers tend to risk money on fast-paced games. Thus a problem gambler is much more likely to lose a lot of money on roulette or slot machines, where rounds end quickly and there is a constant temptation to play again or increase bets, as opposed to a state lottery where the gambler must wait until the next drawing to see results.
Anyone who has ever played the game knows fast-paced and poker, generally do not get lumped in together. The game is slow (you often have to wait for 9 other players to make decisions between yours) and it requires a lot of decision making, two things that make poker a slower paced, thinking, game.
Internet poker has a much faster pace than live poker, but it still pales in comparison to blackjack, roulette, and slots.
Another study, different conclusions
A study by the UK Gambling Commission, the "British Gambling Prevalence Survey 2007", found that approximately 0.6% of the adult population had problem gambling issues, the same percentage as in 1999. The highest prevalence of problem gambling was found among those who participated in spread betting (14.7%), fixed odds betting terminals (11.2%) and betting exchanges (9.8%). Additionally the report noted a 4% drop in overall gambling in the prior year, from a rate of 62% in 1999 to 58% in 2007.
The 2007 prevalence survey combined with the 1999 prevalence survey suggest that despite the rapid growth of Internet gambling there has been no associated increase in the number of problem gamblers.
When we see a drop in overall gambling from 1999 to 2007, it’s strange for people to say that online gambling is contributing to the problem (online casinos began in 1996, online poker in 1998): In fact it would appear online gambling is decreasing the amount of gambling taking place! The study also makes it crystal clear that sports bettors have the highest likelihood for problem gambling (outlets for sports betting took the #1, #2 ,and #3 spots).
Hidden agendas
So, why would the National Gambling Impact Study conclude Internet gambling needs to be prohibited? Maybe we should take a look at a few of their board members:
William A. Bible (Nevada)- In 1988 Mr. Bible was appointed by Acting Governor Robert Miller as the Chairman of the State Gaming Control Board. In his current position, Mr. Bible is responsible for the direction and administration of the Board and its staff, for administering an $18 million budget, and for ensuring compliance with gaming statutes and regulations by some 2,300 licensees throughout the State of Nevada. Mr. Bible was re-appointed by Governor Robert Miller to serve as Chairman, where he worked until his retirement in October 1998.
It would appear Mr. Bible has some history with land-based casinos.
James C. Dobson, Ph.D. - is founder and president of Focus on the Family, a non-profit organization that produces his internationally syndicated radio programs, heard on more than 29,000 radio facilities in North America, and in seven languages in approximately 1300 facilities in over 70 other countries.
Focus on the Family happens to be one of the biggest opponents of Internet gambling.
J. Terrence Lanni - is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of MGM Grand, Inc., an entertainment, hotel and gaming company headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. He joined MGM Grand June 1, 1995.
The chairman of one of the largest hotel/casinos in the world what could he possibly have against Internet gambling?
Other members include; a representative for tribal gaming; President of the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees (HERE) International Union; and was chaired by someone associated with The Center for Jewish and Christian Values, Focus on the Family, and the Coalition of Christian Colleges and Universities.
You can read the full bios of all the members at their website, and see how biased this group is. Apparently, giving a group a legitimate sounding name, and slipping in the word 'may' is all it takes to get people to listen to you.
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