Internet Gambling Causes Increased Problems

Problem gambling is three to four times higher among people who gamble on the Internet, international research has shown. International gambling expert Professor Robert Williams, from the University of Lethbridge, Canada, will be speaking about Internet gambling this week at Cutting Edge, the annual national conference for the addiction treatment sector (Rendezvous Hotel, Auckland, 23-24 September 2010).

Internet gambling has expanded hugely over the past 15 years or so, and is now a US$25 billion a year international industry. A survey of 12,500 people in more than 100 countries found that Internet gamblers were more likely to spend more money than gamblers who did not use the Internet and were more to be smokers and use illicit drugs.

Dr Williams’ presentation will outline the implications for society of the huge expansion of Internet gambling, and optimal ways to regulate it.

His research showed that Internet gambling often had unfair, illegal or irresponsible business practices, such as not paying player winnings and unfair odds. Factors that contribute to problem gambling include 24 hour access, solitary play, electronic cash, and gamblers being able to play under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Dr Williams will speak about the pros and cons of legalised Internet gambling and best policy approaches. His presentation will take place at 3.30pm Friday 24 September. He will also be speaking about preventing problem gambling at 2pm Thursday 23 September. This presentation will provide a review of the nature and effectiveness of all major educational and policy initiatives being used around the world to prevent problem gambling.

The media is invited to attend Cutting Edge, the biggest annual event in the addictions sector calendar, which will showcase developments in addiction treatment. Speakers include international addiction “gurus”, along with people working at the grassroots in New Zealand. The spectrum of addiction treatment is covered with the involvement of alcohol, drug, gambling, smoking cessation and mental health practitioners and consumers.

ENDS