Survey Reveals Reasons For Online Poker Frenzy
Three quarters of the UK population (74%) feel uncomfortable and intimidated by the thought of playing poker in a casino according to research released today by World Poker Exchange. In contrast 21% of the population is having a punt and playing online poker.
A quarter of those polled (25 per cent) believe that online gaming is 'just a bit of fun' and they 'don't mind losing a bob or two'. The news goes some way to explain why Brits are turning to their computers and betting GBP19m a day playing poker online. Londoners beat the regions with their laid back attitude to online gaming with almost a quarter (23%) seeing nothing wrong with playing online.
The results come as no surprise to Dr Mark Griffiths, Professor of Gambling Studies at Nottingham Trent University. "Most people view casinos as a somewhat male-dominated environment - unlike the Internet, which is gender neutral. This study supports my own research showing many women find the Internet a safer and less intimidating way to gamble. Although only one in 20 people have played poker online, this is a significant increase on the previous year and it is set to grow."
Unlike a traditional casino, online gaming is seen to provide more than just home comforts. One in four (25%) people think the biggest benefit is that you don't need a 'poker face' to play. A further 23 per cent feel it's more convenient to play in the comfort of their own homes - and one in five (20%) say they feel less intimidated playing poker online than in a casino.
According to people in the UK, the two biggest ingredients required for poker - luck and skill - are equally important, with 51 per cent of people believing that the game is down to skill ant 48 per cent thinking it's purely up to luck.
And equality rules online. Eighty per cent of respondents think there is nothing wrong with women playing their hand online. Some even think the idea of women playing poker online is sexy!
When it comes to playing poker, respondents were quite clear who they'd love to play with. George Clooney proved the favourite with the women while men would like to raise their game with Kirsty Gallagher.
Haden Ware, managing director of World Poker Exchange, has first-hand experience with the prominent growth of online gaming in the UK. "Online gaming in the UK has grown 566% since 2003. This is largely due to the increased number of people who are looking for a simple, non-threatening platform to try out the new poker craze - and the trend is only likely to grow as people continue to realise the benefits of online poker."
