As if land-based, bricks and mortar type casinos weren’t a serious enough threat to people with gambling addictions, online poker sites and other online gambling web sites, have the potential of posing an even greater threat to problem gamblers. While the investment potential of Internet gambling sites is significant and attractive, it is important that we not overlook the serious harm that online gambling can do to those people unable to control their gambling habits. Mental health organizations are warning that the easy accessibility of online gambling sites and the anonymity that online gambling provides, can pose a real danger to people with gambling addictions. The gambling addiction can then lead to additional emotional and psychological problems as well that affect not just the gambler but friends and relatives too. "Many, many people, including young people, are gambling from the comfort of their own homes, or from work. For some, occasional gambling that becomes an addiction can lead to problems -: not just debt, but relationship breakdowns and problems at work," said Andrew McCulluch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation.

The concern that online gambling could create problems for certain individuals and that these problems could lead to even greater emotional problems with serious consequences has caused the Mental Health Foundation, a charity organization, to create new online resources for people who may be experiencing problems with gambling.

"Players can become isolated, avoiding social contact with family members, friends and colleagues, and lose interest in other activities. Compounded with financial worries, the mental health implications are serious, and charities like the Mental Health Foundation need to offer their support,” added McCulloch.

The Mental Health Foundation is available for help and support for anyone who feels they may have a problem with gambling or for anyone who knows someone such as a close friend or family member that has a problem with gambling. If you find yourself in such a situation, you can visit the Mental Health Foundation site at http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk to gather more information.