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According to a new study from the American Gaming Association (the AGA) the typical internet gambler in the United States is under 40, college-educated, male, and more affluent than his fellow citizens. This is according to the results of a new survey of online gamblers.
The poll of internet gamblers, conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates Inc, indicated that 70 percent of respondents started gambling online within the past two years, showing the growing popularity of this activity. And while Internet gamblers in the U.S. say they enjoy online gambling for its convenience, more than half (55 percent) believe online gaming companies find ways to cheat, and 46 percent think that other players are cheating.
The survey also uncovered a lot of confusion regarding the legality of online gambling, with only 19 percent of respondents realizing (or willing to admit) that the activity currently is illegal in the U.S.
"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," said Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO of the AGA.
Last year, the 455 commercial casinos in 11 states generated $30.29 billion in gross gaming revenue, representing an increase of nearly 5 percent over 2004 revenue totals. Survey data also indicates the industry continued to be an important source of employment in the areas where it operates, providing more than 354,000 employees with wages totaling more than $12.6 billion, including benefits and tips.
"This year's survey confirms that the U.S. commercial casino industry has continued to grow despite the significant obstacles of the past year, and has become an integral component of America's entertainment culture," Fahrenkopf said. "With reconstruction along the Mississippi Gulf Coast continuing at a rapid pace and new gaming markets expected to come online later this year, we look forward to even greater success this year."
The 2006 State of the States includes additional information tools and resources such as a pocket guide to key national and state economic statistics and a glossary of often-confusing gaming terms.
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