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TV Gambling and TV Games

December 3rd, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Sky TV, Televisions, eCommerce Associates

For quite a few years now, observers have been looking into the issue of the effects of TV gambling and TV games, and asking if it is fun, or a social problem?

Over the last few years, gambling laws have been relaxed and there are now numerous channels devoted to traditional gambling pastimes such as bingo, poker and horse-racing, but also ‘lite’ versions, which are more akin to on-screen pub quizzes. And like it or not, they are here to stay.

Estimates vary as to the size of the British TV Gambling market, but most put it into the low billions of pounds range.

Experts all agree that it is a flourishing market and growth will be dramatic during the next few years. Gambling is an impulsive act and when that’s combined with TV’s increasingly interactive nature, it makes it a very attractive proposition and fun pastime.

And whilst broadcasters do not release the numbers who bet via their TV stations, it is believed that the largest player in the market might have up to 100,000 punters a week who play their games. Add in punters from other channels, and soon TV gambling will become a major entertainment industry in its own right.

Now, at those sort of figures there is obviously a demand for this kind of entertainment; the trick for regulators and broadcasters alike is to ensure that people see it as entertainment and fun, and not something that is addictive.

For many people the opportunities of having a flutter via their TV is a welcome chance to participate in something that does not require visiting potential hostile environments, such as high-street betting offices. And betting these days is not just on the 3:40 at Kempton. Major events such as the Eurovision Song Contest and Big Brother, are proving as bigger draw as some of the major sporting events.

And the demographic is changing, with more women keen to try their luck, not least because they feel safe gambling from their homes, and not the more traditional, male orientated outlets.

It is in the best interests of the major broadcasters to ensure that TV gambling and TV games remain fun for all concerned. Great effort is made to ensure players are over 18 and the broadcasters also work with a number of consumer bodies to ensure that they have a sensible approach to their gambling practises.

One such organisation is the charity GamCare, which has become a recognised authority on the social impact of gambling. In a non-judgmental way, it sets out to understand why people gamble, the overall social effect of gambling and to offer help and guidance to those who become dependent.

So TV gambling and TV games, is it fun, or a social problem? Currently, its fun, and most people are responsible punters who understand the reasons why they play and are disciplined enough to not let it become an addiction. And, ultimately, TV Gambling offers little different from what is already out there on the high-street; its just brings it into the comfort of the home.

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