Problem Gambling - the stats

[mikeymike]

The highest rates of problem gambling were among those who had participated in
spread betting (20.1%), betting via a betting exchange (16.2%), playing poker in
pubs or clubs (15.9%), betting offline on events other than sports or horse or dog
racing (15.5%) and playing machines in bookmakers (11.5%).

Interesting stat on the poker

[arbboy]

Always think these stats are misleading because spread betting and betting exchanges are such a niche product not available to the masses effectively because of barriers to entry from how complex they are so you will always get a higher percentage of problem gamblers in them from those who take part.

[tikay]

The highest rates of problem gambling were among those who had participated in
spread betting (20.1%), betting via a betting exchange (16.2%), playing poker in
pubs or clubs (15.9%), betting offline on events other than sports or horse or dog
racing (15.5%) and playing machines in bookmakers (11.5%).

Interesting stat on the poker

What was the source for those Stats, Mikey?

I suppose it depends how we define "problem gambling", but I'm struggling to buy some of those numbers. 

[doubleup]

was from a gambling commission report based on these questions - 3 or more is a problem gambler

The second one is a tick right away for everyone on blonde forum

I've got a feeling that the high figures for exchange/spreads is because of the potential to lose a lot very quickly.


http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/PDF/survey-data/Gambling-behaviour-in-Great-Britain-2015.pdf

[mikeymike]

stats were in 2015 report - all there online to view

[Doobs]

This interpretation of the stats looks misleading. 

These are percentages of those who take part in the activity.  Much smaller numbers of people are involved in spread betting, but of those who do, 20% are problem gamblers.  So there are significantly higher total numbers of problem gamblers who play slots/machines than those who are spread bettors.  Anybody just looking at these bare percentages would likely make a different conclusion, hence Tikay's response.   

[tikay]

This interpretation of the stats looks misleading. 

These are percentages of those who take part in the activity.  Much smaller numbers of people are involved in spread betting, but of those who do, 20% are problem gamblers.  So there are significantly higher total numbers of problem gamblers who play slots/machines than those who are spread bettors.  Anybody just looking at these bare percentages would likely make a different conclusion, hence Tikay's response.   

Ahh, that makes much more sense to me now, thanks. On that basis, yes, the figures now seem more logical, and what we would expect them to be.

[typhoon13]

I was looking at these figures a couple of weeks ago and just brushed them aside

I am heavily involved in spread betting the commodities markets and never find them addictive because its my living, most general punters seem to have a fling on FOREX get caught with their pants down then just disappear.... IMHO i would of thought the biggest problem would of come from bored punters stuck at home playing online bingo

[Doobs]

I gave up spread betting long ago, because my bets were too big and swings are too large and wouldn't ever recommend it to casuals.  But if someone starts with bingo; moves to slots, which leads to a casino;...;eventually ends up spread betting; then what do these stats tell us? 

[doubleup]

This interpretation of the stats looks misleading. 

These are percentages of those who take part in the activity.  Much smaller numbers of people are involved in spread betting, but of those who do, 20% are problem gamblers.  So there are significantly higher total numbers of problem gamblers who play slots/machines than those who are spread bettors.  Anybody just looking at these bare percentages would likely make a different conclusion, hence Tikay's response.   

Not sure if you meant this but, the report said

Problem gambling prevalence measured by either the DSM-IV or the PGSI was
0.8%, with men being more likely than women to be classified as problem gamblers
(1.5% and 0.2% respectively).


It is 20% of that 0.8% that indulge in spread betting etc.

[typhoon13]

I gave up spread betting long ago, because my bets were too big and swings are too large and wouldn't ever recommend it to casuals.  But if someone starts with bingo; moves to slots, which leads to a casino;...;eventually ends up spread betting; then what do these stats tell us? 

I think theres a huge division between bingo and spread betting so if someone starts on bingo i would defo expect them to be skint way before they made their way up the ladder to spread betting

Gambling addiction reports are everywhere at the moment, i feel sure its a real problem and it must be horrific if your one of the addicts

[arbboy]

Can you be a gambling addict and be a full time, long term winning pro gambler?  I have had this discussion with a lot of people recently.  What are people's view on it?

[typhoon13]

Can you be a gambling addict and be a full time, long term winning pro gambler?  I have had this discussion with a lot of people recently.  What are people's view on it?

Excellent question Arbs

My answer is yes if you have complete control of what you are doing

[arbboy]

Can you be a gambling addict and be a full time, long term winning pro gambler?  I have had this discussion with a lot of people recently.  What are people's view on it?

Excellent question Arbs

My answer is yes if you have complete control of what you are doing

I know loads of pro punters (me included) who really struggle to go on holiday for a week or two weeks and not have a bet during that time even though betting is working and the whole point of a holiday is to have a complete break from working.

[EvilPie]

Can you be a gambling addict and be a full time, long term winning pro gambler?  I have had this discussion with a lot of people recently.  What are people's view on it?

Excellent question Arbs

My answer is yes if you have complete control of what you are doing

I know loads of pro punters (me included) who really struggle to go on holiday for a week or two weeks and not have a bet during that time even though betting is working and the whole point of a holiday is to have a complete break from working.

You work for yourself as do all the other pro punters you're referring to. What you're doing is no different to me or any other business owner responding to emails or taking calls whilst on holiday.

I guarantee there isn't a Company owner on the planet who can 100% forget about their business whilst they're away.

It doesn't show that you have a gambling addiction, it shows you are deeply committed to your business.