Online Gambling Growing in Great Britain
The habits of gamblers in Great Britain are moving more toward betting online, a study carried out on behalf of the Gambling Commission has revealed. The survey, prepared by the National Center for Social Research, shows online betting and betting exchanges now account for 8% of all gambling activities in the country. A similar study conducted in 1999 had shown no apparent betting activity via the Internet. The growth of online gambling has surpassed the levels seen in other areas. Great Britains largest bookmaker, Ladbrokes, handled more than £607 million (U.S. $1.21 billion) in the first half of this year via its online eGaming department, which was only created in 1999. 
Reasons for the growth of Internet betting include the better value that can be gained compared to many traditional betting methods, and the ability to gamble from the comfort of ones home or office. Advances in online security and greater reliability of sites have also promoted sustainable growth. The publication of the survey coincides with the arrival of the governments Gambling Act and the establishment of a new Gambling Commission, which is responsible for regulating betting in the United Kingdom. The key aims for the new body include ensuring gambling is conducted fairly and openly, protecting the vulnerable, and keeping crime out of the industry. (A similar survey is scheduled in 2009-10 to assess the impact of the Gambling Act and the success of the Gambling Commission).