Terrestrial vs. Online Gamblers: An Empirical Study on Their Perceptions Towards E-Gambling

Introduction

Electronic gambling is defined as the process of gambling real money over the Internet. It is also referred as online gambling or internet gambling or remote gambling. According to Wood & Williams (2011), it characterizes all forms of wagering via the World Wide Web through varied media including personal computers, mobile phones, interactive television and mobile devices. Beginning in the early 1990s, as the Internet access expanded into private residences and workplaces, gamblers were introduced to a new-fangled area of Internet-based gambling opportunities. Moreover, it was boosted by the advancements of mobile technology and the exponential growth of smartphone and tablet technology, as well as the wide progress of networking technology. It is considered one of the most significant changes to the gambling environment in the past 15 years (Gainsbury et al., 2012; Wood & Williams 2011). As a consequence, any form of traditional gambling soon appeared in its electronic format and have since been easily reached to any person with an Internet connection and means of electronically transferring money (Wood & Williams, 2011). Sports betting, skill games such as poker and blackjack, lucky games such as slot machines roulette, as well as many other e-gambling games have been widely available offering numerous e-gambling features and playing options.

Nowadays, e-gambling is a highly profitable business with numerous websites varied from enterprises offering pure gambling choices to others providing relevant information, such as odds and payout rates. It is also characterized as one of the fastest growing sectors of e-commerce being forced by overcoming many of the restricted laws that were supposed to regulate gambling activity (Wood & Williams, 2007). Characteristically, the global internet gambling gross market is expected to exceed US$51 billion by 2018 (Statista, 2017). Furthermore, it seems to be outpacing casino gambling, growing at a rate of about 12% per annum, and represents an increasingly crucial sector (around 9%) of the gambling market (Global Betting and Gaming Consultants, 2010; Kelleher, 2010; PricewaterhouseCoopers, 2011). However, in some countries online gambling market comprises more than 30% of the total gambling market. For example, online gambling industry accounts for 33% of all gambling in Britain (Gambling Commission, 2017). Hence, despite the fact that land-based gambling industry has experienced a decline, outgoings on e-gambling appears to be increasing (Gainsbury et al., 2012). Indicatively, according to Gainsbury et al. (2015a) online gamblers participate on a greater number of activities overall and more frequently.

E-gambling offers various advantages to both individuals and enterprises. On the consumer’s side, the three most commonly cited advantages have been the greater convenience, the 24h availability and the better payout rates. Moreover, the faster bidding and the fact that you do not have to move from your place are other two greatly mentioned factors that motivate individuals to gamble online (e.g., Gainsbury et al., 2012 & 2015b; Griffiths & Barnes, 2008; Griffiths, 2009; Griffiths et al., 2009; McBride & Derevensky, 2009; Wood & Williams, 2007, 2009, 2011). On the enterprise’s side, e-gambling has significantly changed the way firms present, advertise, sell and communicate with existing and potential customers. Furthermore, it offers them access to a much greater market that extends well beyond the traditional geographic markets serviced by their terrestrial venues.