Zynga Online Poker: Direction of Online Gambling?
The biggest online poker environment isn’t PokerStars or PartyPoker like most people would think. It’s actually a free, social version of online Poker called Zynga Online Poker. You can play this game on Facebook and Google+, as well as on mobile Apple and Android devices. The laid back atmosphere appeals to professional players as well as to those new to the game who wants to learn the rules of the game or sharpen their skills. It’s an excellent place for those who just want a friendly, relaxing game of poker. Just on Facebook alone there can be up to 7 million players per day, so you’re likely to find a table with the right atmosphere for you, no matter what you’re looking for.
Because Zynga is based in the US, many are wondering if there are plans in the works to monetize Zynga Online Poker to compete with PokerStars and PartyPoker should online gambling be legalized there. If they are, Zynga is being tight-lipped about it, only mentioning that the current business model is working. It certainly is, as users can purchase virtual items (as well as more chips when you happen to run out) to use within the game. With over 30 million users every month, even if only a small percentage actually purchased these virtual goods, you can be certain that this is no small amount of money. This is how the game profits Zynga even when marketed as a free game on so many platforms. And profits there surely are.
However, executives with the company have let slip that Zynga will be releasing two new games in the gambling category - Zynga Casino and Zynga Bingo. This would give them a strong foothold in the online sector for gambling in general, not just poker. Online bingo games have seen a tremendous jump in popularity over the last 6 months, and the general casino games more recently, especially on Facebook.
If gambling were to be legalized in the US and Zynga does have plans to monetize any or all of these online gambling games, we could see a large monopoly in the market right from the start and we could see other companies scrambling to catch up to a business that has already made it’s fair share of money from online gambling, even if it is only free games used on social networks and mobile devices at the moment.
The Gambler Psyche from a Malaysian Point of View
In Malaysia, we regularly read about people in gambling debts, harassed by loan sharks and even those who attempted suicide because of gambling.
To better understand the behavior of a gambler, one must first know the different categories of gamblers. The “social gambler” and the “serious social gambler” are relatively mild in their attitude towards gambling. Only the “problem gambler” and the “compulsive gambler” have serious issues related to gambling.
If one were to take gambling as a form of entertainment and not take it too seriously, it would be easy to curb gambling impulses. This is where education undoubtedly plays an important role in educating the general public about the dangers of gambling.
Read any newspaper, and a person will constantly find mention of a gambling-related piece of news. Recently, there is a huge surge of reported cases of loan shark harassment, largely due to an increasing trend of borrowing money to cover gambling debts. However, not all gamblers are faced with such problems or rather, not all gamblers have a problematic and compulsive behavior towards gambling. In Malaysia, the general gambling population can be divided into 4 major classifications, ranging from social to compulsive.
Among all the type of gamblers, the “social gambler” is the mildest of the lot. They gamble occasionally and have a fixed loss limit or a fixed winning amount ahead of time. These are the types who will say “ok, I’ve had enough for today” when the situation calls for it. They are not the ones who will go overboard and are relatively cautious in their approach in gambling. In the casinos, you will find these with the small amount of cash chips, placing bets only after careful considerations. They have a low profile and leaves quietly when they have had enough. In private games such as those private poker nights, these are the ones who place comparatively smaller bets and will fold when the odds are stacked against them.
Taking a notch up from the “social gambler”, the “serious social gambler” gambles more regularly. They are the ones who will suggest a game of poker or a quick trip up to Genting for casino games at the slightest opportunity. Although still cautious in their approach, they love the adrenaline rush and the excitement of a couple of wages on the table. You will find them frequently talking about their gambling experiences but in fact; they aren’t as aggressive as the more “serious” gamblers. A majority will also be found placing bets in 4-D lottery outlets in the weekend, as it is a relatively cheaper alternative for their gambling fix. At this stage, their gambling urges are still in control and they lead their lives without gambling putting a significant effect in their relationship with others.
For the “problem gambler”, theirs lives are largely influenced by gambling. This behavior would have affected their relationship with the people around them negatively. They admit that gambling is a problem in their lives, but is too addicted to it to do anything. Their finances are largely unmanageable and they have serious issues on the personal front. These are the ones who are regularly found at online casino sites or in illegal gambling “associations” secretly tucked away in a corner of the city, and can be there for hours on end, neglecting both their jobs and their families. Whatever income is spent gambled and is frequently either borrowing small sums from the people around them or delaying payments on their commitments, resulting in increasing debts.
The “compulsive gambler” is the most extreme and is one of the most dangerous forms of gambling addiction. They realize and know that gambling is a problem they face but yet puts no effort in curbing these impulses. These are the individuals who have gambled away a large portion of their money and being in dire consequences, turn to loan sharks to finance their ever-increasing gambling addiction. Unfortunately, many of them fall deeper into the gambling “hole” and resort to extreme measures to end the suffering, such as to prostitution or attempting suicide.
Many people do not realize that they have a gambling problem until it is too late. Education may be one of the most important tools to help people realize before things take a turn for the worse. For many people, gambling is a form of entertainment and a form of social activity, placing them in the “social gambler” category. Only when taken as a way to “make money” can it be detrimental to one’s life.
Gambling Legally in Thailand
The decision of whether or not to legalize gambling has been a hot political topic for several years in Thailand because many people believe that it could boost the economy and taxable revenue, especially in the form of increased tourism. Those who oppose gambling claim that introducing legalized gambling and casinos will bring an increase in crime and gambling addiction. Many illegal gambling operations already exist in Thailand that include betting on various types of fights and sporting events. Although most forms of gambling are still illegal in Thailand, there are several outlets for tourists and locals alike looking to partake in legal gambling.
The advent of the online casino has allowed many people living in Thailand to experience the thrill of gambling while still abiding by the law. The majority of games people can play through online casinos are similar to popular slot machines found in major casinos. They offer gamblers a quick thrill, but most of these games are just for fun. Online poker is another popular gambling outlet, and players can make real bets.
For those without access to the internet, or for anyone looking for other gambling opportunities, the state runs a lottery that is drawn twice a month. Additionally, although most types of sports betting is illegal and run by underground operations, there is one place in Thailand where gamblers can make legal bets on a certain type of sporting event: horse racing. The Royal Turf Club in Bangkok holds horse races that can be legally bet upon.
Since there are so many illegal gambling operations in Thailand, it's always good for tourists to familiarize themselves with what is illegal. There are no legal casinos in Thailand, although several legal casinos exist in neighboring regions where gambling is legal, including Macau and Singapore. Football gambling is a huge business in Thailand, but visitors should be warned that it is strictly prohibited. It is also very important to realize that there are many illegal lotteries in Thailand, so people need to double-check that they are buying official state-run lottery tickets.
Although there are very few legal gambling opportunities in Thailand, it is possible to find exciting gambling outlets without breaking the law. From online casinos to betting on the horse races at the Royal Turf Club, tourists and locals alike can find great ways to gamble legally.