The latest research from digital identity security specialists, ID Crypt Global, has revealed that just a third of gamblers make use of online safety features such as deposit or time restrictions that help prevent them from gambling too much, or for too long.
The survey commissioned by ID Crypt Global, found that 50% of us like to gamble, with a quarter (23%) of us doing so at least once a week.
Today, online gambling is the platform of choice for 60%, while 22% gamble both online and in a physical capacity.
However, despite online platforms introducing features to help protect consumers from gambling more than they can afford, ID Crypt Global found that these optional features are rarely utilised.
Just 4% of those surveyed by ID Crypt Global believe that they are a problem gambler, however one in 20 have had feelings of anxiety or depression caused by gambling.
What’s more, one in 10 admitted that they gamble under the influence of drink or drugs and a third of those surveyed (32%) think it’s too easy to gamble online for the wrong reasons when not in the right state of mind.
The good news is that 87% of gamblers are aware that there are safety features available to help prevent them from going too far.
But despite this, 68% stated that they never use these features, while 9% use them rarely. 12% stated they sometimes use them, with just 11% regularly making use of them.
This means that just a third of gamblers are making use of online gambling safety features and even then, the majority are only doing so occasionally.
CEO and Founder of ID Crypt Global, Lauren Wilson-Smith, said, “The fact that so many online betting and gambling platforms are now implementing safety features is, of course, a positive step. However, it’s fair to say that these tools are largely ineffective due to the fact that they are optional and require the consumer to make a conscious decision to use them.
This simply isn’t sufficient, particularly when one in 10 are gambling under the influence. It’s clear that it remains far too easy to gamble online for those in the wrong frame of mind and the industry really needs to adapt to ensure that consumer safety is a priority, rather than an afterthought.
A singular digital identity could be the forward step the industry needs if built around a Decentralised Public Key Infrastructure. In doing so, it would safely and securely provide companies within the industry the information required to make an informed decision on each individual consumer and their gambling habits.
At the same time, it would keep the consumer’s data completely protected, negating the risk of information about our online gambling habits being stolen and taken advantage of.”
