The typical US internet gambler is under 40, college-educated,
male and more affluent than his fellow citizens, according to
results, published this week. About four percent of the US
population gambled online in 2005, according to Reuters.
The poll of internet gamblers was conducted by Peter D. Hart
Research Associates. Fully 70% of respondents started gambling
online within the past two years. And while internet gamblers in
the US say they enjoy online gambling for its convenience, more
than half (55%) believe online gaming companies find ways to cheat,
and 46% believe their fellow players cheat.
Frank Fahrenkopf Jr., president and CEO of the AGA, said: "Even
though our member companies currently aren’t involved in the online
gaming market, and the overall percentage of Americans who gamble
online is relatively small, there’s no doubt this issue has
captured the attention of the media, members of Congress and the
American public.”
Last year, the 455 commercial casinos in 11 states generated
$30.29 billion in gross gaming revenue, representing an increase of
nearly 5% over 2004 revenue totals. Spending in Las Vegas surpassed
$6 billion.
