One-in-five Ontarians plays poker online for money, according to a study commissioned by the Responsible Gaming Council and released recently. Although the sample of players surveyed was small (there were 1 003 respondents age 18 and older) the results are considered accurate within 3 percentage points.
The poll showed that there was a decrease across all age groups in gambling participation, except for a significant growth in the popularity of online poker among younger people.
The study showed an increase of 1.4 percent online poker play among adults 18 to 24 years old to 5.5 percent in 2005, which is an increase of nearly 400 percent in statistical terms.
“It is a cause for concern because this age group spends the most time online and is the most likely to get into trouble with gambling,” said Dr. Jon Kelly, Responsible Gambling Council CEO.
The growth in poker playing has also caused an increase in players who are switching from poker as recreation to poker as an occupation. The poll showed that 16 percent of people surveyed believe poker is a good way to earn extra money, and 4 percent believe they can earn a living playing poker.
The poll was conducted during the spring months via a random telephone survey.
A more detailed but US-focused survey has recently been released by the Annenberg Public Policy Centre at the University of Pennsylvania, which shows that an “estimated” 2 000 Internet sites accept bets on sports or poker. About 850 000 men aged 18 to 22 gamble at least once a month online in the US, twice as much as in 2005, according to data released last month by the Centre.