Rise in Online Casino Activity Raises Concerns in Pennsylvania
A recent study conducted by Penn State University, commissioned by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, highlights a lift in online casino participation among Pennsylvanian residents.
The 2023 report, developed in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, offers a detailed look into the state’s burgeoning online gambling sector.
Increased Engagement in Online Casinos
The “Pennsylvania Interactive Gaming Assessment: Online Gambling Report 2023” reveals that 16% of Pennsylvania adults participated in online gambling this year, marking a 5% increase from previous years.
Findings from the study suggest that online gamblers engage more frequently and spend significantly more than their offline counterparts.
Dual-mode gamblers, those who engage both online and offline, reported spending approximately $708 monthly, while those who gamble solely at physical casinos spend about $103.
Contributors to the Growth
The expansion in participation can be attributed to several factors including the entry of new games and platforms into the market.
Notable contributions include the recent launches by BetMGM Casino and the introduction of Fanatics’ new gaming options, which have diversified the playing field and attracted a wider audience.
Concerns Over Problem Gambling
Despite these positive trends, the report also sheds light on the darker side of increasing online engagement—problem gambling. Data indicates a higher prevalence of gambling-related issues among online players, with over 50% of dual-mode gamblers exhibiting at least one problem gambling trait.
The demographic profile of online casino participants predominantly includes young males, with the average age of online-only gamblers being 33 years.
This group also constitutes over three-quarters of the online gambling population, highlighting a demographic skew that could influence future regulatory and marketing strategies.
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