British Gambling

Gambling Problems In The UK   Think Americans have gambling problems? Our British buddies seem to have their government worried. According to the BBC News, six out of ten adults in the UK spend up to $90.00 a month on sporting events or the lotto, this from their government figures. While I like to play a dollar or two for the chance to win power ball, our British counterparts take their lotto quite seriously. The UK lotto is ranked the second largest of the 192 lotteries worldwide (by sales.) Bingo is also a hot spot for “soft” gaming. Its numbers have steadily increased since its boom in the early 90’s. Seventy percent of the bingo population is women, with men at thirty percent. Interestingly, the average age of players is below 50. Slot machines, everybody loves them, and again, the Brits love theirs. There are 250,000 slot machines in the UK, and for the year 2001/02, its estimated that Britons fed those shiny machines roughly 48 million dollars a day. The UK has 123 registered casinos, and on average, most Britons spend about $76.00 a day. There are 350,000 Britons with a gambling problem. And people fear that it could become worse if the government introduces gambling changes. Their government may allow “hard” gaming (such as casinos), and “soft” gaming (bingo) to mix. However, Bingo advocates feel that instead of gamblers wanting to play bingo, the other way around would happen. Bingo players would be tempted to harder forms of gambling. I’m sure the bookmakers already have bets placed as to which way their government will decide. Bookies are legal and have sizeable revenue in the gambling industry. Sources: BBC News online Gaming Board of Great Britain --< Watchdog >--