More than Half the Nation View Cryptocurrency Trading as Form of Gambling

More than half (56%) of Brits deem cryptocurrency trading as a form of gambling, according to a new study from Gamban, a software company that blocks access to online gambling sites and apps across all of a person’s devices.

After speaking with 1,007 gamblers throughout the country, the research also found that nearly half (48%) would consider stock trading a form of gambling too.

Previous research has identified that excessive trading can be linked to a gambling disorder. Grall-Bronnec et al (2017) found that addictive-like trading behaviour can be a subset of gambling disorders. Similarly, a study by Mills et al (2019) revealed more than 50% of regular gamblers have traded cryptocurrencies in the previous year and that this was associated with an increased risk for problem gambling, depression and anxiety. 

Jack Symons, CEO of Gamban, said: “The aim of this research was to help us understand whether different types of trading are considered gambling. In a world where the lure of immediate gratification through digital platforms is increasingly tempting, it’s important that we take appropriate steps to ensure our users are protected from any activities that closely resemble gambling.

“Understanding whether the content we block should expand beyond the traditional forms of gambling will allow us to better protect our users. As well as this, we can then begin to provide recommendations on reducing gambling harm.”

In the last few years – and especially during the coronavirus pandemic – online trading, including cryptocurrency trading, has grown significantly (Nefedova et al., 2020) The increase in online trading activity has resulted in the birth of new online trading platforms, larger budgets dedicated to advertising on various social media channels and an increased overall awareness of online trading. Additionally, cryptocurrency trading has seen a significant rise over the last year with many day traders “shifting their attention to more speculative assets” (Financial Times, 2021).

Jack Symons added: “The results of our research, paired with current available literature, indicates that trading and gambling share similar characteristics and that some forms of trading may be closely linked with gambling harm. 

“Problem gamblers may be at risk when exposed to different forms of online trading. More volatile forms of trading, like cryptocurrency and stock trading, are more akin to betting than investing. So as of next month we intend to restrict access to platforms that offer these more volatile forms of trading to benefit the recovery journey of Gamban users.”

Gamban works with the the self-exclusion scheme GAMSTOP, and the leading treatment provider GamCare, giving those experiencing harm from gambling access to their software for free through TalkBanStop.com

Gamban also struck a partnership with Norway’s government-owned national lottery and gaming operator, Norsk Tipping, to provide its software for free to those who self-exclude.