The issue of the morality of online gambling is a hot topic. While some people consider it a harmless and entertaining activity, others feel that it can lead to serious health consequences. To this end, it is important to understand the impact of online gambling on health and well-being. Generally, the vast majority of gambling sites are regulated, allow players to set self-exclusion and loss limits, and are regulated by reputable bodies that address any misconduct.
Regulation
While European Union member states are generally homogeneous in their normative values, different countries have varied regulations when it comes to online gambling. In Germany, the Glücksspielstaatsvertrag (GGS) governs the online gambling market. It has been the subject of intense political debate due to the pending revision. While states aim to promote uniform regulation across the nation, they pursue divergent interests and disagree over the best means to accomplish these goals.
Convenience
There are many advantages to playing casino games online, one of the most obvious of which is the convenience. High rollers, those who spend large sums of money on a single bet, make up the majority of operating income for online casinos. However, even those who are not high rollers can enjoy casino games online. It is possible to gamble at any time, and you can play from anywhere. Online gambling is also extremely affordable, and is compatible with mobile devices. However, keep in mind that online gambling can become addictive, so make sure to set a realistic budget before playing.
Accessibility
Compared to land-based gambling, online gambling has a greater accessibility than traditional forms of gambling. This accessibility was achieved in part through the development of mobile casino games. Participants also discussed the ease of using credit cards. Credit cards are not always accepted for gambling at land-based casinos, so they were used as a form of payment online. Credit cards, however, allowed participants to access large amounts of credit. Furthermore, topping up their credit allowed participants to continue gambling throughout the day. This process was fast enough that it often gave participants pause to think about their decisions.
Impact on gambling disorders
The impact of online gambling on the development of gambling disorders has been the subject of several studies, some of which show that the involvement in multiple types of gambling is associated with an increased risk of problem gambling. However, this interpretation may be misleading because it is common for problem gamblers to engage in multiple gambling activities. An Australian national telephone survey found that more than half of problem gamblers reported that they also had problems in land-based modes of gambling.
Credit card bans
The introduction of a credit card ban for online gambling has led to concerns over the effect on players. The European Commission has cited a study that suggests that the ban has had a positive effect. It has increased awareness of the extent of gambling spending, as well as improved consumer protection. The ban is set to be introduced in April 2020. Further research is needed to evaluate whether the ban is having the desired effect. Among the studies conducted for the ban are an online survey of 2,000 adults, focus group meetings with thirty respondents who used credit cards to play, and a consultation with the major banks.
Cool-off period
The Cool-off period is an exclusion from an operator’s website where a player can decide to discontinue gambling within a certain time period. According to a study by Bonello and Griffiths, such periods generally last no longer than six months. Twenty-three of the thirty-three websites that offered a cooling-off period offered it on their gambling websites, and another nine were non-Irish. However, six websites required that a customer contact their customer service department to activate the Cool-off period. There are currently 33 such websites. Thirty-three of these offer a cooling-off period, while 13 are Irish.