Four in 10 gamblers have never actually set foot in a casino, according to research.
Nearly a quarter of those who bet online worry about making mistakes in person, and 22% fret about looking out of place.
Others worried about having to travel there or not having anyone to go with (both 20%).
Of those who have been to a casino, 15 percent have only done this once or twice.
A spokesperson for Online Betting Guide, which commissioned the research of 1,000 adults for its gambling report, said: “Habits are changing all the time.
“Online gaming sites are becoming more and more popular, and in-person equivalents are evolving to meet the new needs.
“If they don’t, they run the risk of being left behind as more people move to an online-first experience.”
The results found 43% of gamblers feel an in-person casino has too many barriers to entry.
While 32% just feel more confident at a keyboard, with just 16% having more courage in the flesh.
But London (49%), Las Vegas (31%) and Paris (12%) are among the locations gamblers would like to gamble in person.
“In this scenario, the easy access, a certain degree of anonymity, and the ability to gamble at any time or location significantly increase their risk of addiction,” said Bayu Prihandito, a psychology expert and CEO of Life Arkitecture “While gamblers might experience a temporary high when winning, losing can trigger feelings of regret and a desperate need to recover the losses. This vicious cycle often escalates the addiction.”
It also emerged 83% feel the internet has fundamentally changed the way people play.
A quarter gamble less than they did five years ago, with 42% typically playing between one to five times weekly.
And six in 10 expect the future of gambling to involve virtual casinos, playable at home.
Playing the lottery (53%), betting on sports (52%) and scratch-offs (41%) are the most common activities.
But 40% prefer games of skill, such as predicting sports scores or playing poker.
“It can lead to financial hardships, disrupt relationships, increase the risk of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, and in extreme cases, even suicide,” said Prihandito.
Only 16% would rather chance their arm at games of pure chance like roulette.
OLBG’s spokesperson added: “We gamble in all sorts of different ways every day.
“Not taking out a coat when the weather’s uncertain could even be seen as a form of gambling.
“This research really shows how much the world is changing to meet the growing demand for online content.
“But people who feel put off from actually visiting casinos would probably find they have nothing to worry about.”
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
Edited by Alberto Arellano and Jessi Rexroad Shull
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