Following the publication of the most comprehensive online gambling survey ever taken, the newly formed UK Gambling Commission has published a report of their own, citing statistical findings related to online gambling in the UK. The first of a planned series of statistical snapshots intended to keep a tab on the level of participation at online casinos and internet betting sites, the Gambling Commission says that initial findings of the report - entitled 'Survey Data on Remote Gambling Participation' - are encouraging.

Not to be confused with the British Gambling Prevalence Study last published in 2000 (soon to be updated in late 2007), which cites that approximately 75% of Britons have participated in one form of gambling or another, the statistical findings gathered by the Gambling Commission pertain specifically to forms of remote gambling, including the online sector. The first batch of stats show that one in twelve British adults had taken part in a form of online gambling the previous month, while only six percent of British adults participated in online gambling in 2006.

Other key findings shed light on the role of lotteries, online poker and horseracing. The National Lottery is still the most popular form of remote gambling, with over five percent of British citizens surveyed conceding they had gambled at the lottery the previous month. Getting over twice the amount of participation than online poker, football and horserace betting, critics of online gambling should perhaps focus their attention on the National Lottery instead. In terms of how Britons access various forms of remote gambling, home computers and laptops were the primary means of making online bets, followed by mobile phones and interactive TV.

The UK Gambling Commission says the reports will make up a highly important and relevant component of the Commission's monitoring responsibilities. With technological advances taking place in exponential proportions (home internet access has increased by nearly 50% in just five years), keeping track of increased online gambling is of vital importance in preventing underage and problem gambling - One of the core duties of the Commission. Full enforcement of the Commission's powers will go into effect in September of this year.