US GAMING SURVEY INDICATES STRONG SUPPORT FOR ONLINE POKER
02/03/2012 : US GAMING SURVEY INDICATES STRONG SUPPORT FOR ONLINE POKER
Respectable sample reacts positively to the possibility of legal online poker
A survey commissioned by the lobby group the Poker Players Alliance (PPA) and conducted by US Gaming Survey over three weeks in December 2011 has delivered a positive response to the regulation of online poker in the country.
The panel survey utilised respondents who are currently playing or recently participated in poker games online with a view to reflecting customer behavior.
Thirty-six targeted questions were asked regarding respondents current personal behavior regarding online poker, lottery, their views on the recent law enforcement crackdowns, online gambling laws and how potential legalization would affect their future poker play and wagering decisions.
The survey, completed by a respectable sample of 8000 poker players, was completed by 82 percent of visitors to the website and represented 50 states including Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. 10 percent of the sample proved to be female.
Additionally, 2 400 respondents provided information and feedback on the Federal law enforcement crackdown on major online poker sites in April last year, the PPA said.
According to the report, the findings yielded surprising information on the link between online poker and lottery sales, reporting little cannibalisation between the two.
Other results released in a sample of the survey revealed:
– Online poker would add ancillary opportunity, not detract from lottery sales.
– Players are looking for the best operator (state or corporate) and do not have a specific preference. 60 percent of respondents were not concerned on who offered the games but rather that they were of high quality and offered strong protection and security.
– Players are not overly concerned with paying taxes on their winnings.
– Players welcome regulation of the online gaming industry.
– 72 percent of respondents answered that their weekly stake was under $100. Only 11 percent spent in excess of $250 per week on the activity.
– 50 percent of respondents are not currently playing online poker.
– Of those playing, 90 percent said they would change to a licenced and regulated U.S. based poker site if given the opportunity.
"We couldn't be more excited about the results," said Larry Gibbs, vice president of research at US Gaming Survey. "The information from this survey has helped all involved understand the benefits of licensed and regulated online poker. It clearly shows that poker players want regulated online poker and are willing to abide by federal or state preferences to get it. The resulting information and detailed analysis will undoubtedly support the PPA's effort in urging the U.S government to legislate online poker in the near future."
