The Bwin/Harvard study is unique in that it embraces a substantially larger number and percentage of players than has ever been done before (the nearest is probably eCOGRA's 11 000 response and focus group study) and that it was based on scientific analysis of actual playing patterns and frequency, requiring Bwin to open up their systems to the researchers.
Bwin is a principally sportsbetting oriented organisation although it does have online casino and poker elements, and this is the reason for the emphasis on sportsbettors. It's commitment to an obviously very expensive study of the phenomenon in a new way, and making its results public merits recognition i.m.o.
Most problem gambling experts that I have spoken to place the percentage of problem gamblers at somewhere between 1 and 3 percent, based on land gambling research statistics. Almost all have expressed an interest in whether online gambling results would be in line with this trend or significantly higher or lower.
The speculation is that it may be higher, given the more convenient access....but no-one seems to know for sure and probably won't until something definitive - perhaps using the Bwin methodology - can be studied and tested by a totally independent organisation of repute (like Harvard's addiction department, for example)
Until hard and unbiased numbers from such a project are available it is a matter of speculation and opinion as far as I can see.
To imply in general that online casino operators and affiliates are ogres who revel in sucking the life from unfortunates who suffer from a gambling addiction problem is Kyl-like pessimism that pushes the proposition way too far in my opinion.
There are many of the usually longer established and more professional sites out there where excluding the underaged and addictive is and has been for some time a genuine concern that has motivated the introduction of counter-measures that go beyond merely "put up a Gamcare logo."
There are many sites with pattern monitoring measures, self exclusion and betting limit facilities, marketing restrictions, basic self diagnosis assists, advice for dependents and strong links with the better problem gambling associations like Gamcare, G4 and GA, on occasion getting involved in joint projects.
Many operators have invested in specific training programs for managers and front line operational staff, and continue to do so with refresher courses. Some have problem gambling consultants on the payroll.
Significant investments have been made in supporting problem gambling organisations (and if you look at the latest RIGT developments in the UK you will find gambling groups generally receptive to upping contributions to meet the latest multi-million a year budget proposals)
Responsible operators practice responsible gaming for moral and well as practical reasons, contrary to what the sensationalist press portrays and politicians exploit to achieve bans.
But operators can only do so much in identifying and stopping problem gamblers...as with so many addictions, the real drive has to come from the unfortunate him or herself to quit.