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Copyright 2005 PR Newswire Europe Limited.
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PR Newswire Europe
July 5, 2005 Tuesday
HEADLINE: UK Gamers Say "Yes" to Online
Poker and "No" To Casinos
BODY:
LONDON, July 5 /PRNewswire/ --
- Survey Reveals Reasons for Online
Poker Frenzy
Three quarters of the UK population [74%] feel uncomfortable
and intimidated by the thought of playing poker in a casino according
to research released today by World Poker Exchange [www.worldpx.com].
In contrast 21% of the population is having a punt and playing
online poker.
A quarter of those polled [25 per cent] believe that online gaming
is 'just a bit of fun' and they 'don't mind losing a bob or two'.
The news goes some way to explain why Brits are turning to their
computers and betting GBP19m a day playing poker online. Londoners
beat the regions with their laid back attitude to online gaming
with almost a quarter [23%] seeing nothing wrong with playing
online.
The results come as no surprise to Dr Mark Griffiths, Professor
of Gambling Studies at Nottingham Trent University. "Most
people view casinos as a somewhat male-dominated environment -
unlike the Internet, which is gender neutral. This study supports
my own research showing many women find the Internet a safer and
less intimidating way to gamble. Although only one in 20 people
have played poker online, this is a significant increase on the
previous year and it is set to grow."
Unlike a traditional casino, online gaming is seen to provide
more than just home comforts. One in four [25%] people think the
biggest benefit is that you don't need a 'poker face' to play.
A further 23 per cent feel it's more convenient to play in the
comfort of their own homes - and one in five [20%] say they feel
less intimidated playing poker online than in a casino.
According to people in the UK, the two biggest ingredients required
for poker - luck and skill - are equally important, with 51 per
cent of people believing that the game is down to skill ant 48
per cent thinking it's purely up to luck
And equality rules online. Eighty per cent of respondents think
there is nothing wrong with women playing their hand online. Some
even think the idea of women playing poker online is sexy!
When it comes to playing
poker, respondents were quite clear who they'd love to play
with. George Clooney proved the favourite with the women while
men would like to raise their game with Kirsty Gallagher!
Haden Ware, managing director of World Poker Exchange, has first-hand
experience with the prominent growth of online gaming in the UK.
"Online gaming in the UK has grown 566% since 2003. This
is largely due to the increased number of people who are looking
for a simple, non-threatening platform to try out the new poker
craze - and the trend is only likely to grow as people continue
to realise the benefits of online
poker."
Notes to editor
[1] The World Poker Exchange survey was conducted by TickBox.net
and surveyed 1043 people in the UK and Ireland. The survey comprised
of 10 open and closed questions, in order to elicit a mixed response
from each participant.
About World Poker Exchange
The World Poker Exchange [www.worldpx.com] is a licensed and
regulated multi-player internet poker room that has served the
online community since the outset of online poker play. Based
in Antigua and established in spring 2001, World Poker Exchange
is one of the world's fastest growing online poker sites. World
Poker Exchange
CONTACT:
For further information, please contact: Becky Wegener at GolinHarris,
+44-[020]-7067-0478, rwegener@golinharris.com or Marielle Legair
at GolinHarris, +44-[020]-7067-0465, mlegair@golinharris.com
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