Interactive gambling is an important trend in the gaming market. Even though certain forms of interactive gambling have yet to be legalized in Australia, thousands of residents continue to access a wide range of online gambling services. Along with the proliferation of gambling comes the need to understand the activity so that local regulators and health professionals are aware of the potential dangers and industry professionals are aware of its benefits.
The Interactive Gambling Study was commission by Gambling Research Australia (GRA), and was prepared by a number of gambling, psychology and addiction experts from South Cross University, University of Sydney, University of Lethbridge and the Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre. The expansive study drew on research from a wide range of sources, including telephone surveys, in-person interviews and data from gambling help services.
According to the study, the biggest motivator for gambling online among Australian residents is the ease of access. Players enjoy being able to play their favourite pokies online or wager on a sports match from virtually anywhere. Interactive gambling is highly convenient, which is the reason it is has the potential to overtake land-based gambling in terms of popularity.
Players also noted that online casinos and gambling websites are more generous with bonuses. According to the report, players reported that the price differential was a major advantage. Interactive gambling sites offer more bonuses, better odds and improved payouts than their land-based counterparts.
The study also highlighted the disadvantages of interactive gambling. According to the research, it tends to be easier to spend money in the online world and players were also concerned about the security of the money in digital form. Another concern for players was technical difficulties. On many occasions, players noted that they were unable to play at their favourite online casino or poker website because their own internet or the site’s server was down. However, players seem to be largely satisfied with interactive gambling because over 30% stated that there were no disadvantages of playing pokies and other casino games online.
Due to the ease of access in the interactive gambling market, the study found that online players are more flexible. Individual players engage in a wide range of gambling activities in the online world than they would if they were playing in land-based casinos. However, the study also found that players who engage in multiple gambling activities are also more likely to experience negative consequences.
The full study is expansive, cover more than 400 pages. To read the research findings in full, visit: http://www.gamblingresearch.org.au/home/interactive+gambling+pdf.
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