A recent study has revealed a significant increase in the number of people in their sixties taking part in online gambling
The number of senior citizens gambling online has more than doubled in the past three years, according to a recent survey by the Gambling Commission.
The report found that the number of 65+ year olds accessing online casino and poker sites had increased from 3% of those asked in June 2013 to 7% in June this year.
In a separate study, the Commission found that senior citizens prefer to access online gambling sites through their laptop devices, followed by desktop computers and tablets.
Most of those asked said they liked to gamble online from the comfort of their own home.
The increase in “granny gamblers” has been driven by more senior citizens accessing and embracing technology and computer devices.
“Laptop ownership amongst those aged 65 and above is at an all-time high,” says Adam Barber, co-founder of online casino comparison site jackpot.co.uk.
“Senior citizens are embracing technology like never before, learning how it works, and how it can enhance their day to day lives.
“Technology is helping senior citizens to better connect with the world, particularly for those who perhaps lack mobility and find it difficult to get around.
“I think as more of them adopt technology, the rise in granny gamblers will continue to trend upwards,” he adds.
The good news is that despite more senior citizens gambling online, the number developing problem behaviour has decreased since 2013.
The latest Gambling Commission data shows that medium risk players likely to develop a problem fell from 1.3% in 2013 to 0.1%, while low risk players dropped from 1% to 0.6% over the same period.
To avoid developing a gambling problem, players should heed the following advice:
- Only ever gamble what you can afford to lose, and never chase your losses
- Set wager and loss limits to control the amount you can spend and loose
- Don’t bet if you are feeling emotional, sad, or angry
- Never put gambling before socialising with friends and family
For further information visit: www.gambleaware.co.uk
