eCOGRA Releases Online Gambler Profile

eCOGRA, the independent regulating body which has given the seal of approval to 112 online gambling sites, released a report this week, detailing its findings about the attitudes and behaviors of online gamblers. The report was developed from surveys of almost 11,000 players from around the world.

According to the survey, this is the profile of a typical internet poker player:

• Male between the ages of 26 and 35
• Plays 2-3 times per week and for 1-2 hours per session
• Has been playing online poker for 2-3 years
• Above all other factors, uses deposit bonuses as the biggest reason to choose a particular poker room
• Plays in both cash games and tournaments
• Plays low stakes – big blinds of $0.50 to $2.00
• Uses decent bankroll management, having only 6-10% of his bankroll on the table at any given time
• Doesn’t chat too much at the tables
• Considers himself an average player
• Feels poker requires slightly more skill than luck

As one might suspect, those who considered poker more of a skill game tended to have more success than those who felt it was all luck. And, again, not surprisingly, those who have done well financially practice sound bankroll management, multi-table, play frequently, and play to win.

The study also found that for those who are able to multi-table, four tables is the optimal number. More than that and the games become less profitable.

Interestingly, depending on the feature, 51-75% of respondents felt that responsible gambling features that could be implemented by the site would be useful. These features included self-set spending limits, self-set time limits, self-exclusion, regular financial statements, and self-assessment tests. Time limits were deemed the least useful, whereas financial statements were the most widely approved.

Finally, and not surprisingly, even with the popularity of online poker many players are still suspicious of the online poker rooms. To this point, eCOGRA suggested industry regulation and operating standards, as well as company transparency so that mistrust can be limited. And while eCOGRA is a regulating body for the industry, it is not the only one, something that, to the group’s admission, creates confusion amongst customers. A single or at least a small handful of third party regulators would make more sense, something that should appeal to both players and poker rooms.

For the entire eighteen page report, visit http://www.ecogra.org.

Originally published 7:14 PM Friday, January 26, 2007