The risks involved with online gambling are pretty much the same as those linked to any other form of gambling when it comes to obsessive-compulsive behavior. The more readily available nature of online gambling though seems to amplify many of the problems and risks associated with problem gambling. Although the extra-risky nature of online gambling is something opponents of legalized and regulated online poker and online gambling seem to bring up most of the time, there is no denying that it is easier and indeed handier to log on to an online casino and to wager there than to actually drive down to a brick and mortar gambling establishment and play there. Another problem often cited in regards to online gambling is that people who are already prone to developing gambling-related impulse control disorders are generally sucked in easier online. Most people seem to be somewhat intimidated by the atmosphere within actual casinos, which will often keep them away from the tables. Online gambling is not the least bit intimidating though. Someone may well give it a go just for the heck of it, and develop a serious gambling problem as a direct consequence of the accessibility and player-friendliness of online gambling operations.
With all that said and to address the title-issue of this piece: the main risk associated with online gambling is obviously problem gambling. The better one understands problem gambling, the better he/she will be able to steer clear of such trouble and to help others as well. What exactly is problem gambling? As said above, problem gambling is a kind of impulse-control disorder, which means that those who have these problems can indeed be well aware that they’re destroying their lives, yet they’re unable to stop it. Gambling is something which always lurks in the back of the minds of these victims. One thing that most people need to understand about problem gambling is that it can sneak up on anybody, yes even on those who think they’re immune to such problems. There are myths out there about problem gambling, one of which is that in order to be considered a problem gambler, one needs to gamble every day. The definition of problem gambling says nothing about the frequency of the activity. It makes it really simple: gambling becomes a problem as soon as it begins causing problems.
Some consider that those who can afford to gamble cannot become problem gamblers. People who subscribe to this view only see one facet of the problem though. The woes caused by this obsessive-compulsive behavior are not strictly financial. Problem gambling causes a rupture in the victim’s life as far as inter-personal relationships are concerned and that is not something to neglect under any circumstances.
Problem gamblers cannot be helped by sorting out their debts for them either. Such a course of action will actually make the condition worse, and other than a temporary respite, it offers no solution to the core problem whatsoever.
Problem gambling requires a treatment similar to those called for by other impulse-control disorders like alcoholism. A 12-step program is a decent starting point, but every gambler needs an approach custom-tailored for his/her specific needs and issues.
