Activists against online gambling in the UK

Anti-gambling activists are carrying on from the momentum gained at the recent victory against FOBTs in a campaign that was crowned highly successful. Problem gambling organizations are said to have put their eye on online gambling as their next target. Mark Etches, Chief of GambleAware, has shifted the focus of anti-gambling movements to Internet gambling this time, emphasizing how easy it is to bet from your mobile phone nowadays.

According to a recent report by the Independent, online gambling is bound to take up 50% of overall betting in the UK, which makes it far more dangerous in the eyes of the aforementioned organisations than FOBTs. The report continued by mentioning that only 1% of British punters visit a bookmaker store, while 18% gamble online. Mr Etches pointed out that the same features that make FOBTs so addictive are the ones that make online gambling so risky, especially for problem gamblers. He continued by emphasizing that the convenience mobile gambling provides along with the ability to lose massive amounts in a very short period makes online gambling particularly perilous for certain groups.

GambleAware CEO stated that marketing and advertising companies have played their part in enticing bettors with tempting promotions, taht are all clearly visible on players' shirts in many Premier League clubs as well as in half-time TV ads. Mr Etches claimed seeing reports of 11-year-olds admitting to being tormented by problem gambling habits. Public Health England is researching all the consequences gambling has on individuals, a move considered hopeful by many problem gambling organizations.