Gambling addiction - dangers of internet gambling
By Liz Lockhart
A recent article on Science Daily warns of the dangers of internet gambling, especially on youth. It tells us 
that different States in the United States are entertaining the possibility of increasing revenue through legalising internet gambling.
We only have to turn on our television sets to experience the temptation of online bingo. Many of our most popular programmes are sponsored by bingo companies. Later in the evening we see many promotions for casino gambling online. When many who suffer from poor mental health spend much time in the home and many are living alone and on limited income, the chance of winning money by using these sites can become, at first, a temptation.
This temptation all too often turns into an addiction and one that seems to affect our youth. Gambling addictions expert, Renee Cunningham-Williams says ‘Internet gambling provides youth with increased opportunities to gamble, which is particularly concerning because this generation is arguably the most technologically savvy of any generation in history.’
‘Based on available research, it is unclear if the Internet contributes to more gambling problems, but we know that those who choose to gamble using the Internet and experience problems are often involved in other forms of gambling as well,’ she adds. ‘The Internet may make gambling opportunities more attractive, accessible and available.’
The National Council on Problem Gambling advocates a harm-reduction public health approach to problem gambling a position with which Cunning-Williams agrees..
‘Such an approach recognises that strong regulation is necessary but not sufficient. We need a comprehensive strategy that involves prevention and education about the harms associated with illegal and problem gambling, effective treatment, and continued research.’
Although these statements were made about the problems which are facing Americans it is one which is all too rapidly affecting us here in the U.K.
With bingo companies and casinos here in Britain, offering massive introductory offers to get them started it can be all too soon that they have sucked in vulnerable people who then cannot resist the chance to win money or recover their losses and this is a particular worry with young people.
