Just as the gaming entertainment industry is becoming more socially acceptable around the world, the established British version is likely to get a rough ride from politicians, charity groups and anti-gambling lobbies this week. The British Gambling Prevalence Study will not be published until Wednesday, but newspaper headlines are already screaming about the numbers addicted to gambling. One industry official has been quoted as saying that the figure for problem gambling will probably be around the European average but that the report will doubtless cause hysteria.

It is anticipated that the study will show that gambling ‘addiction’ has more than doubled in less than a decade, to around 800,000. Of course there is a big difference between a problem gambler and an addicted gambler, but news reports tend to lump the two together. Studies in New Zealand and elsewhere have for years shown that while some players can become problem gamblers they usually successfully readjust with or without assistance from treatment centres. Gambling addicts, as with any other form of addiction, are another matter entirely.

The public misconception about casinos, and so-called super casinos in particular, is fostered by headline grabbing media reports and those seeking to impose a moralistic agenda. Most public outrage over gambling seems to be reserved for the casino industry and, with the ‘Englishman’s home is his castle’ attitude, the advent and proliferation of online betting from the comfort of home receives little comment in comparison. But then the British mentality when it comes to gambling is often a little schizophrenic.

The UK is one of the very few countries to allow children to legally gamble for money. The National Lottery is widely accepted as being a fun way to contribute to charitable causes. Bingo is a social event with prizes. A ‘punt’ at the local bookies, prevalent on every high street, adds spice to racing and sports entertainment. Casinos create gambling addicts. It is a simplistic view, but one that seems to be shared by too many people with a moral axe to grind. (E-09.17.07)

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