One-in-five Ontarians plays poker online

The Responsible Gambling Council recently released a poll that shows one-in-five Ontario residents play poker online for money and many believe they could play poker for a living.

The poll showed that there was a decrease across all age groups for gambling participation, except for a significant growth in the popularity of online poker among younger people. The study showed a 1.4% rise among 18- to 24-year-old old adults who play online poker to 5.5% in 2005, an increase of nearly 400%.

"It is a cause for concern because this age group spends the most time online and is the most likely to get into trouble with gambling," said Dr. Jon Kelly, Responsible Gambling Council CEO.

The increase of poker playing has also caused an increase in players who are switching from poker as recreation to poker as an occupation. The poll showed that 16% of people surveyed believe poker is a good way to earn extra money, and 4% believe they can earn a living playing poker.

The poll was conducted during the spring months via a random telephone survey. There were 1,003 respondents age 18 and older, and the results are considered accurate within 3 percentage points.