As if the UK debt situation was not bad enough, with more and more people struggling to cover their monthly mortgage payments, it seems that many of the UK’s gamblers are using debt to fund their habits.  A survey by one of the leading money sites on the internet has unearthed evidence that one in eight of the UK’s gamblers use credit cards, overdrafts or bank loans to fund their habits.  How hs this happened?

It seems that the increase in the number of online gambling sites has led to a new breed of gambler, the home based player.  Twice as many online gamblers are using debt than those who use the more traditional bookmakers shops, a figure which again highlights the potential dangers of uncontrolled online gambling.  If the results of the 2000 people survey were replicated for the overall UK population, this would indicate a hardcore of 1 million plus gamblers, 75% male and 25% ladies.

There is no doubt that online gambling has opened up a whole new market, which is attracting a whole new style of gambler.  Increased credit facilities and more and more adverts about gambling sites are starting to take their toll, with associations such as Gamblers Anonymous and the like experiencing a large increase in problem cases.

The UK has one of the most tightly controlled gambling industries in the world, although it has proved difficult to regulate overseas websites which are out of the control of the UK authorities.  The US have attempted to curb this problem by attacking the online payment companies, a move which while highly controversial has had the desired effect.  Are the UK gambling laws about to turn full circle? Or is it full steam ahead for more casinos and  opportunities to gamble?