Despite its legal status in many jurisdictions, gambling online can pose unique problems for some gamblers. Internet gambling can provide gamblers with instant feedback, access to greater amounts of betting products, and the possibility of betting large wagers. It can also be more convenient than gambling in a land-based venue. Although this increased convenience may help some gamblers, others may end up experiencing a gambling disorder.
Some jurisdictions have begun to regulate internet gambling, and this may have a beneficial impact on consumer protection. Many gambling websites use user information to market products and services, and these operators can also take action to help their customers. These operators can offer resources for moderating play, and targeted notifications can be sent based on patterns of play. This may be considered aiding and abetting.
One of the most interesting findings of online gambling research is that some gamblers have more problems with their gambling than others. This is not surprising, as some gamblers may be more susceptible to impulsive behavior. The study also found that Internet gambling may increase the number of gamblers who suffer from gambling disorders. However, more research is needed to determine how online gambling affects gambling problem sufferers.
The best way to detect problem gamblers is to study their behavior. The most effective way to do this is by monitoring a wide variety of gambler accounts. This may not be feasible for a single gambling site, but it may be feasible for multiple gambling sites. In one study, researchers collected data on tens of thousands of gambling site visitors over a two year period. The study compared this data with self-reported data about gambling problems. In the process, they found that there were a number of indicators that could predict gambling problems, including the number of bets placed and the amount of money wagered.
Another notable study was performed by Harvard Medical School’s Division on Addiction. They partnered with bwin, a major European gambling website, to study a number of different aspects of Internet gambling. One of the most interesting aspects was the unifying theme that emerged from the studies. This theme is the ‘do’ – and the ‘do not’ – of Internet gambling.
Other research studies have also examined the best way to measure the impact of online gambling on gambling habits. This has been a challenging endeavor, due to the lack of reliable data. However, the aforementioned study was able to identify a number of different aspects of Internet gambling that can be evaluated for their ability to predict problem gambling. One of the best known aspects of Internet gambling is that it is available anytime and anywhere. This can be a significant advantage, but can also make it a very dangerous activity.
While it may not be possible to accurately predict whether or not a gambler will become a problem gambler, the results of this study suggest that gambling online is not a problem if the player is able to limit their exposure. For example, gamblers can be alerted by targeted emails to slow down or take a break from gambling. Other features that have been proposed to help gamblers manage their time are self-set spending limits and time-out features.