Gambling Problems Greater at Land Casinos

March 03, 2009 | News Category: Online Casinos

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Howard Slayton recently completed a report into Internet gambling with regards to players becoming problem gamblers. Howard Slayton is a social worker and also a compulsive gambling expert. The conclusion arrived at by Mr. Slayton's report is that Internet gambling may even reduce the chances of people becoming problem gamblers.

When comparing online casinos to land-based casinos, Mr. Slayton explained that "Land casinos create an environment that envelops the customer, leading to disconnection with reality and opening up avenues for problem gambling impulses to take over." He further commented that online casinos did not have that kind of atmosphere.

He discussed how it is known that the design and layout and everything associated with land-based casinos is specially done to lure and keep players there. The attention to detail by land-based casinos to keep people trapped inside, seemingly of their own free will, is carefully planned and executed by those running the casinos.

Windows and clocks are two obviously noted items missing from land-based casinos. Players lose track of time as they do not see changes in light and there are also no clocks to help them keep track of time. Should a player notice that they had been gambling into the early hours of the morning, they may well hurry home and continue with their regular routine - perhaps sleeping and then getting up for a job in the morning.

The whistles and bells, and the callers in the background all help to create a fantasy world full of lights and colors. Lighting is low and the comfort of players is emphasized. Players can easily get lost in this otherworldly feeling, and remain comfortable in their fantasy cocoon, while losing track of time and reality as they exist outside of the casino's walls.

Land-based casino floors are even laid out in such a way that players need to weave through game tables or walk past slot machines in order to reach exits, which makes those with a tendency to gambling addiction find it difficult to leave the gaming area.

On the other hand, online casinos keep players grounded in reality. When playing at home, phone calls, doorbells ringing, and outside sounds can intrude on the playing experience. Instead of players removing themselves from their regular lives, they continue with their regular lives and add in online gaming as simply one of the things they do.

It should be noted that at this time, the number of players from the United States is rising steadily, however, on average the size of deposits has shrunk somewhat along with the effects of the current recession. Online players are still playing, but are apparently aware of budget constraints.