Dangers of Online Gambling Addiction

 Gone are the days when you have to trek to Vegas or your nearest casino or racetrack to place your bets. With the internet and the emergence of online sports books, you can now enjoy gambling from the comfort of your home.

With online gambling, addiction is a bigger problem than ever. Now that gamblers don't have to call their bookie or visit the track or casino, it is easy to hide their habits with the click of a button.

Of course, placing bets through a bookie is usually illegal, so internet gambling offers yet another advantage in that you can legal place bets from anywhere with only an internet connection.

With online gambling, you are often less aware of how much you are betting (and possibly losing) because you aren't handing over cash from your wallet. Here are just a few ways you can fund your betting:

Debit cards

Debit cards linked directly to a checking or other bank account are one popular way to fund your account on the betting site. This method takes wagers directly out of your bank account.

Credit card

Rather than having funds removed from your account, place them on a line of credit which will need to be repaid. If you don't pay off your card each month, however, you face high interest rates and may pay far more than your winnings in interest.

Wire transfers

Wire money to your online gambling site directly from a checking or savings account.

You can also mail in a check to fund your account. Gambling sites accept almost any form of payment and they want it to be as easy and convenient as possible to fund your account and place your bets.

In 2001, internet gambling pgslot $2 billion dollar. More than 100 sports gambling sites are available for you to place your bets.

The American Psychological Association states that internet gambling is very addictive - as much as alcohol and many drugs.

While the internet has made gambling easy and more convenient that ever, gambling is still an addictive habit that could wreak havoc on your life. Excessive gambling leads to debt and psychological and family problems.

If you have a gambling problem, it is important to seek help before it is too late. Most gambling sites will close the account at your request and prevent you from re-opening the account if you explain your addiction.