How to Tell If You’re at Risk of a Gambling Problem

In the 1990s, online gambling was hugely popular in the United States, and appeared to be an end run around government control. Operators of online gambling sites would set up shop in an offshore jurisdiction, and anyone with a computer and a credit card could visit and make a wager. This quickly got the attention of the U.S. Congress and Department of Justice, which began exploring ways to restrict online gambling. The UIGEA was signed into law in October 2006.

Some online gambling sites require the download of special software to play. This software runs in the background, so the player must be online to access the games. Other games, such as slots and roulette, are played on the site itself. High-tech software is available for these games, and these make gambling online more interactive. For more information, visit Gamblers Anonymous. Once a person has a gambling problem, it is important to contact their physician for treatment.

Recent research on Internet gambling has shown that problem gamblers have higher rates of alcohol and drug use. In an online survey of 1119 people, the researchers found that problem gamblers were also more likely to consume drugs or drink alcohol, and to use self-harm to reduce their risk of problem gambling. Other studies have found that a significant percentage of internet gamblers have a gambling problem. But how can you tell if you’re at risk? There are many different factors that can lead to a gambling problem.