Tips on recognizing problems with Internet gambling

Internet gambling has been a hot topic in the news recently — and with good reason. Americans spend an estimated $6 billion per year on Internet gambling. Congress is even considering legislation that would ban Internet gambling altogether.

And just as with more traditional forms of gambling, the effects of Internet problem gambling are significant on individuals and their families. The American Psychological Association says that Internet gamblers may be even more likely to develop into problem gamblers than regular gamblers.

Additionally, it is easy for young people to develop gambling problems through online gambling, because it’s difficult for parents to know what their children are doing online at all times.

“Internet gambling has shown itself to be just as addictive, if not more so, for some people than other forms of gambling,” said Rick Pyper, Director of the Office of Problem Gambling (OPG). “That means it can lead to the same sort of problems for individuals and their families, including financial distress, psychological harm and other significant problems. Fortunately, there’s help for those with an Internet gambling problem just as there is for those with other types of gambling problems.”

Pyper said there are specific warning signs to watch for that can indicate if someone has a gambling problem, including a problem with Internet gambling. Those include:

• Betting more and more money over time

• Spending more time gambling than planned

• Lying to people about gambling or hiding Internet gambling from loved ones

• Using gambling to escape problems

• Borrowing to replace lost money

• Using credit to gamble

• Gambling to get lost money back

• Unsuccessfully trying to cut back or quit

• Gambling alone

• Losing interest in other activities

“We are providing families and communities with as many resources as possible to help them recognize problem gambling and get help for those who are affected by it,” Pyper said.

The 1.800.NEXT STEP number provides those concerned with their own gambling or those worried about loved ones with a variety of resources to help them deal with the issues caused by problem gambling. Those resources include information on Tribal/State-funded treatment and counseling, as well as Gamblers Anonymous meetings. The OPC also has its own web site.