Online gambling has been around for quite some time now. Since their inception, they have always been under scrutiny. Considering the fact online gambling made its foray into the internet gaming space as a fresh concept, every aspect of it has been evaluated several times over. The most important aspects include the pursuance of fair practices, the psychological impact of online gambling on young minds, and also the impact it is likely to have on the economies which have embraced it into their system.
The debates normally stem from the ready accessibility of these games and the extent to which they are being pursued. Recently, a research paper has been published by The Lancet, which is a medical journal of high repute. The research paper has been extensively written about in Canadian newspapers. Globe and Mail which is a popular Canadian daily has gone ahead and analyzed the findings put forth by this study. It has stated that these could be of immense importance to national governments of countries which have avidly pursued the online casino trail.
The Premise
The research paper has been drafted on a pretty grave premise. Most financially challenged governments have become increasingly dependent on revenues generated through gambling practices. This is despite the fact that they have now raised stakes on gambling issues for the public.
Administrations with a more responsible approach are finding it increasingly difficult to scale the learning curve. This is specifically because the world they operate in is offering more and more access to wagering than has ever been. Keeping the given scenario is perspective, The Lancet report attempts at assessing the real problems associated with gambling and how they can be counteracted by effective remedies.
The Findings
The Study was pioneered by Dr. David Hodgins who is a certified clinical professor of psychology in the University of Calgary. He has stated in his report that the effects of compulsive gambling on players and their families can sometimes be thoroughly devastating. As per the figures put forth in his study, one in every 100 gamblers does develop addiction problems especially in the online casinos of United States and Canada. Hong Kong has a more severe problem with one in 20 players developing an addiction. Norwegians are better off with one in 500 gamblers being affected with an addiction problem.
According to Hodgins the 24-hour accessibility provided by the internet has somehow complicated the problems like underage gambling. Science and technological solutions should be innovated to manage them. He also states that almost one in ten gamblers actually seek therapy. Cognitive behavioral techniques can be used to manage the problem effectively. Simple questionnaires are helpful in unraveling hidden causes and seeking solutions.
The Counter Impact
There have been skeptics like Bill Greyer who have stated that there is indeed no need to spend resources on a study which deals with previously known facts. He commented that people at large were aware of the repercussions of gambling. The money instead should be spent on setting up corrective measures for those affected rather than publishing useless research papers.