Phone Bingo?

I found this article below in a Scottish newspaper but the title is a bit deceitful since we're not talking about regular phones but smartphones and, in the end, internet gambling. The story is still interesting though, have a look:

Phone gambling creating a new breed of addicts

By Jane Bradley

THEY have been praised for their looks and their ease of use as well as for connecting their owners to the internet while on the move.

But now the new generation of smart phones is being blamed for a surge in the numbers of women falling into debt through online gambling.

Addiction charity the RCA Trust has logged a 15 per cent rise in women of all ages getting into debt through using internet poker and bingo sites in the last year.

The Trust says it has been contacted by more than 200 women, many of whom have racked up debts totalling thousands of pounds, with increased use of smart phones making it easier to gamble 24 hours per day.

This has boosted the number of young women who have become addicted to online gambling, while older women have also started to use the internet more, meaning that those without access to "terrestrial" gambling opportunities such as bingo halls can still play.

But the Trust claims that the number of people who actually seek help for their problem are the "tip of the iceberg", adding that thousands of Scottish women could be affected and could end up with serious financial problems.

"This is becoming a major issue," said Andy Todd, counselling manager for the RCA Trust. "It is the tip of the iceberg - there will be a lot more women out there who are in the same situation and do not come to us, or any other organisations, for help."

"The key is the accessibility - that people can log in 24-7 from their smart phone as well as from their computer," said Todd.

"There are an increasingly large range of these sites that people use. Historically, there has been a lot of supply, but demand now seems to be increasing."

source: Scotland On Sunday

What do you think about all this?

I think they've only stumbled on the tip of this iceberg, and these ladies should be encouraged to come to LBB and get some bingo freeplay going.  Maybe enter some contests and win money to play Bingo as well as better gaming through communication.

I agree Chllly.  There are so many free plays on bingo, I'm sure they haven't had all there is to offer.

I can see why smartphone gambling has increased and will indeed, increase even more, as more and more people can get access to a smartphone now (free on contracts etc).  Mobile gambling is definitely huge in the online gambling world and debt will sky rocket for sure because they can get access 24/7 and they aren't tied to a desktop/laptop.

blue

Mobile gaming is a little scary for me. Best to just stay away totally. Convenient? Yes, but way too much access.

I too believe it will be increased rapidly

The only downside for me is that I dislike staring at the small screen...but it does sounds like a good promising future for us so bring it on,baby!!! ;D

Oh boy........well don't stone me with my thoughts on this one as a gambler but.........

If there is to be any bans this should be one. I think that is the worst idea ever to have access to gamble through your cell. The temptation would be incredible. I think that even those that don't have a gambler problem, it could be deadly.

Even if i think i would never play i could just see me sitting at jury duty all day or a doc's office bored out of my mind and saying what heck just this once............that's all it takes.

Lips