ORC Gives Good Odds to Net Betting

Internet betting in the UK appears to be on the rise despite a more general downturn in traditional gambling. This is the main finding from the latest research in ORC International's 'GamblerTrack 2001'.

Examining trends in the UK's gaming industry, the ongoing tracking study has highlighted a surge in online betting over the last 12 months. ORC estimates that 2.2 million people in the UK are currently regularly using the Internet to place their bets, an increase of 175% over the past year. This success is set against a decline (5.2%) in the numbers of people gambling overall.

However, although Internet betting has substantially increased its customer base this year, frequency of play via this medium has dropped slightly from 2000 to an average of 6.1 occasions per year.

In terms of the gambler profile, the survey reveals that the Internet was almost an entirely male preserve for placing bets during 2000. A year on and this state of affairs is starting to change. Around a third of all Internet bets now being placed are from women. The study shows no change in the age of gamblers though. The activity is still the preserve of the young, with 79% of bets currently being placed by those in the 18 to 35 age category. Additionally, there were no players of 55 years plus found in 2001.

Commenting on the survey, ORC International consumer director, Chris Brookes said, 'The results of our study show that while overall gambling is on the decline, online betting is one of the few activities to have grown over the past year. Whilst this is a relative success story, the frequency of online gambling has decreased. With this in mind, online betting providers could target women players.'

All articles 2006-22 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.

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