UK Gambling Commision Report Supports Regulation

Recently the Gambling Commission released a study regarding internet and other new forms of gambling. As these items have become more readily available, the expectation was that gambling would be on the rise, however the report shows a significantly different result. According to the report, the total number of people that gamble in the UK has dropped from 72% in 1999 and is currently sitting at 68%.

The results of the study also have shown commission chairman, Peter Dean, that 99% of all adults who chose to gamble with in the UK do so harmlessly. Only 1% of gambling adults could potentially be classified as problem gamblers.

When the Commission initiated the report, they expected to find the number of gamblers and the amount of problem gambling had increased due to the emergence of online gambling. The Commission stated that even when online gambling was included in the report, they still found no significant increase in the total number of "problem gamblers."

Considering these results, it is a wonder why a government official could justify altering, or banning online gambling. The results show that even with the in home convenience available in the United Kingdom, problem gambling is not an issue of rising concern. Responsible players, and proper measures in place an online casino can regulate the same way a live land based casino can. This would permit people who do not want to venture out to play in smoke and crowed casinos a more comfortable option. This is another reason why so many countries are moving toward regulation instead of banning online poker and gaming events.

Regardless of the method, gambling addicts will find a way to fill their addiction. The land based casinos have proven the tax revenue to valuable to close the establishments, as has a lottery program proven itself to be more valuable to school funding than not. Regulation instead of ban is the most effective method of managing the gambling market, and opening personal freedoms to any one who chooses to participate.