When asked about the risks of Gambling Online, a recent survey found that nearly 40% of New Zealanders had engaged in gambling. However, a smaller proportion of those at risk of harm increased their online gambling. This finding suggests that availability of other gambling activities may be a strong predictor of increased gambling behavior. Moreover, ethnic background, lower education, nonstudent status, and smoking are all associated with increased gambling. The report also found that younger and Maori people were more likely to engage in gambling online, as opposed to their nongambling counterparts.
The study also found that the overall gambling frequency and expenditure decreased after the closure of land-based gambling venues. Although this result is somewhat surprising, it is important to note that the causes of this decline vary. The Health Promotion Agency, for instance, presented a checklist of possible reasons for participants to decrease their gambling. The most common reasons cited for reduced gambling online included financial concerns, not wanting to be seen as a problem among family members, and a suggestion from a loved one or friend. Other reasons included social pressures, the possibility of losing money, and someone who had previously recommended cutting back.
Some countries have made online gambling illegal. Despite the widespread opposition to online gambling, the laws are often lacking in enforcement. Although some countries have taken action to prevent it, most websites have geo-blocking technology to prevent users from accessing sites. In addition, the United Arab Emirates has a law that prohibits online gambling. If caught, a person could face up to two years in prison. However, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t any laws against gambling.