The rising popularity of internet sports betting is changing the face of the problem gambler, reports the University of Sydney’s Gambling Treatment Clinic.

Alex Blaszczynski, Professor of Psychology at the University of Sydney, says there is a trend toward online sports betting which has altered the pattern of problem gambling presentations at the various University’s Gambling Treatment Clinic.

The internationally recognised gambling expert says:

“Problem gambling has certainly moved away from the traditional picture of a person sitting for hours on end at a poker machine.

“While we are still seeing these clients, we are seeing that young men in particular are turning to gambling on sports. These young men are reporting difficulties controlling their internet-based sports betting in increasing numbers.

“Looking at our client numbers, we had approximately a 70 percent increase in the number of sports betting clients from 2008-2009 to 2010-2011.” [continue reading…]