In order to provide further insight into the gambling habits
of UK punters, the UK Gambling Commission conducted comprehensive studies
that produced interesting results.
The idea of the study was to explore the gambling behavior of
the participants, showing how they gambled and what, if anything, they enjoyed
about the pastime.
The Commission also included the issue of problem gambling in
study and addressed what caused it and measures that could be taken to solve it.
The Gambling Commission categorized British gamblers into four
distinct types: peripheral gamblers, gambling enthusiasts, business gamblers and
compulsive gamblers.
According to the Commission, the categories encompassed the
following characteristics as follows:
- Peripheral Gamblers: Do not always identify what they do
as gambling. Usually do so for social reasons.
- Gambling Enthusiasts: Gamble quite frequently, but with
no real compulsion to do so. Enjoy the challenge and usually gamble at skill
games.
- Business Gamblers: Gamble for the monetary benefits and
not for social or entertainment reasons.
- Compulsive Gambler: Feel the need to gamble often, making
it an important feature in their lives. First took up the pastime after
enjoying the buzz that comes with gambling.
The advantages and disadvantages of gambling were also
examined in the study. Some of the advantages outlined by the gamblers included
greater self confidence, and the fact that gambling is a fun, sociable activity.
