A new group of online players and clever online marketing campaigns have ensured the sudden popularity of online gambling.
Playing Poker online became increasingly popular since 27-year-old American poker player amateur, Chris Bryan Moneymaker - funny coincidence, right? - won the World Series of Poker in 2003. Moneymaker was working as an accountant when he won a seat at the main event of the 2003 World Series of Poker thanks to an online tournament. As a poker amateur, Moneymaker won the first prize of $2.5 million (£1.64 m), instantly gaining poker superstar status. This event opened new doors to online gambling sites worldwide.
What are the most popular games played online?
In online gambling, betting on sports (football and tennis) seems to come first (with 37% of the market turnover), followed by Casinos (22%), online Poker (18%), Lotteries (9%), and Bingo (7%).
Who is the typical online player?
A typical online player is a man between 25 and 35 years old. Nevertheless, it seems that online gambling games are attracting more and more women and people over 60. In 2009, GP Bullhound, an international technology investment banking group (specializing in digital media, technology, and gaming) announced that 40% of players were women.
Also, in Europe for instance, the increase in the number of women who have played for money online stands at 80% while the increase in the number of men who have already played online is only 60%.
The reasons behind the increase in Online Gambling
A survey mentioned that people who had already gambled online said they did it for the money (51%), for the pleasure of winning (49%), and for the sensation of taking a risk. The factors that have contributed to the increase in online gambling include the convenience of being able to play from home, and the possibility to remain anonymous. Indeed, widespread internet access, a better understanding of the websites offering online gambling, and the modification of the legislation dealing with online gambling, in general, have all played a role in the rise of online gambling.
Today, the future seems bright for online gaming developers and investors.
Why do you think that online gambling is more popular than ever?
