SOURCE: Casinotimes.co.uk

Three quarters of the UK population (74%) feel uncomfortable and intimidated by the thought of playing poker in a casino according to research released today by World Poker Exchange. In contrast 21% of the population is having a punt and playing online poker.

A quarter of those polled (25 per cent) believe that online gaming is 'just a bit of fun' and they 'don't mind losing a bob or two'. The news goes some way to explain why Brits are turning to their computers and betting £19m a day playing poker online. Londoners beat the regions with their laid back attitude to online gaming with almost a quarter (23%) seeing nothing wrong with playing online.

The results come as no surprise to Dr Mark Griffiths, Professor of Gambling Studies at Nottingham Trent University. "Most people view casinos as a somewhat male-dominated environment - unlike the Internet, which is gender neutral. This study supports my own research showing many women find the Internet a safer and less intimidating way to gamble. Although only one in 20 people have played poker online, this is a significant increase on the previous year and it is set to grow."