Brits worry as online train rolls out of control
The accelerated rate of online gambling has the British Government fearful that the industry is becoming a runaway train packed with British citizens.
Brits spent over $7 billion dollars last year betting online, a figure projected to rise by at least 22% this year. While online casinos remain illegal until at least next year, operators have managed to flout existing laws by running their companies offshore in locales such as the Dutch Antilles and Gibralter. While safely beyond the governments reach, these operators advertise on British billboards and newspapers by exploiting the rules of the European Economic Area.
British officials feel these website’s could pose a more dangerous addictive element than actual brick and mortar casinos.
Meanwhile the United States is taking a tougher stance by chasing down online operators aggressively and prohibiting the use of most credit cards from being used on gambling sites. The Brits conversely will legalize online betting in the coming year, albeit under heavy regulation.
The gambling and addiction advice service, Gamcare recently reported that out of 4,452 first time callers, 9% admitted to gambled online.
posted by Danny Davis