The results of the second phase of the study regarding gambling and its impact on society have been released by Ukraine’s PlayCity gambling regulatory body. The research, carried out by the SOCIOINFORM research center, included 2,676 users of online casinos.
The survey has revealed several findings of interest:
Player preferences
- 86% prefer licensed online casinos
- 78% do not plan to switch to unlicensed operators
- 20% know people who play at unlicensed online casinos
Why players choose unlicensed operators
- 33% faster registration without identity verification
- 17% anonymity
- 16% absence of restrictions and betting limits
Reasons for gambling
- 40% interest and the desire to try something new
- 21% to take a break from everyday life
- 20% promotional offers
- 17% the desire to make money
- 14% recommendations from friends or playing socially
Attitudes toward gambling
- 59% consider gambling a controlled form of leisure
- 35% sometimes lose control over their gambling
- 23% have spent more than they originally planned
- 9% have experienced serious financial, family, or other problems because of gambling
- 6% frequently lose control over their gambling
Awareness of responsible gambling tools
The research has shown that 64% of participants are aware of therapy tools for gambler responsibility while 66% are aware of self-control and self-exclusion options. However only 40% have knowledge of a system of limits on the time and money spent.
The level of awareness of the register of addicted gamblers is only 10% and the knowledge of the help institutions which deal with gambling problems is only at the level of 5%.
The overall conclusion can be made that in spite of the existence of the unregulated segment of the market, the majority of the players use services of the regulated operators.
