GAMCARE, which is an authority leader in providing help and practical guidance in addressing the social effects of gambling, has publicly challenged a testimonial by an academic interviewed on the televised British Broadcasting Company 'Panorama' program, entitled "Online Gambling: Britain's New Obsession", which airs tonight. According to preliminary press reports regarding the episode, statistical figures seem to say the UK government has underestimated the amount of UK citizens participating in online gambling activities.

Professor Jim Orford from Birmingham University, is on record saying that recent governmental reforms and the passing of the UK Gambling Act could very well likely cause up to one million "hooked" bettors, thereby suggesting an astronomical onslaught of addicted and problem gamblers despite strict regulations specifically aimed at preventing underage and problem gambling. The report also goes on to say that in a six month time frame between April and September, 5.8 million British residents gambled at one form of internet betting or another, including online casino gambling, sports and horse betting, poker, skill games and online bingo.

GAMCARE, however, begs to differ with these figures. According to a consulted professor of social studies at Salford University, Peter Collins, there are no reliable findings or studies, whatsoever, as to how many Britons have logged online to participate in remote betting. What is known, or at least the best estimate, is that from 3 to 5 percent of all gambling in the United Kingdom results from the online sector.

GAMCARE made it clear they do not seek to sugarcoat the issue of problem gambling, and that they are indeed aware of the conveniences of online casino gambling, which can facilitate bad habits and addictions. On the same note, GAMCARE made it clear this is precisely why it is important to governmentally regulate online gambling with strict standards and uniform protocols for providing free and immediate help to the problem gamblers who will inevitably come about. One million hooked gamblers? GAMCARE does not think so.