Lottoland.co.uk have recently conducted a survey into the gambling experiences of British adults.

The sample size of 2,000 participants yielded several key results, most notably that nearly half had never played popular card games like poker or blackjack.

Intimidation and anxiety

It was found that 29 percent of the sample felt intimidated by the idea of going to a casino, primarily due to their lack of understanding about betting games. This lack of understanding was also cited by 37 percent as a deterrent from even trying their luck.

19 percent of participants claimed they were concerned about being judged for not knowing the rules of betting games with a further 23 percent being anxious about doing the wrong thing in a casino.

This anxiety also explains the 29 percent of participants that preferred online casinos as opposed to the 18 percent that claimed they enjoyed a physical venue more.

Knowledge gaps and confusion

The study revealed knowledge gaps among British adults such as 23 percent lacking a basic understanding of slot machines and horse racing betting.

Confusion was also found when asking about roulette and a large proportion, 37 percent, felt out of depth when it came to betting on boxing matches.

Preference for skill games

Despite these gaps in knowledge, a significant portion of participants were familiar with simpler card games such as Snap and Solitaire. 

This was added to by the 32 percent that gambled preferring games involving skill, with strategic betting being chosen more often than chance-based games.

Preconceived notions

45 percent of the survey participants expressed a desire to visit iconic casinos like Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.

Interestingly, 34 percent believed that their ability to remain calm would make them proficient at poker, and 19 percent considered themselves adept at bluffing.

Despite not playing the game, 23 percent found watching poker games entertaining as well as 28 percent confessed that shortcomings in “reading” other people, would be considered a disadvantage in games like Texas Hold ’em.

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