Know what you’re getting into if you gamble online:➟ According to an article in the Washington Post
(November 30, 2008, by Gilbert M. Gaul), worldwide
online gambling revenue has more than tripled over
five years, to an estimated $18 billion in 2008. As
Internet gambling grows, so does Internet gambling
fraud. This is partially due to the fact that many gam-
bling operators are based in countries with little
online regulation and even less enforcement.➟ In contrast to the real-world casinos that have strong
security, in online casinos you have little or no way to
know who is viewing your hand, where exactly your
money is being held, or if the dice have been shaved.
Because casinos are often partnerships with locations
in various countries, it’s even hard to hold any one
group accountable if your winnings are never paid
and your stake disappears.➟ Another significant problem with online gambling is
the addictive nature of the activity. With a pace that’s
considerably faster than in real casinos, and where
you can play multiple games at one time, losses can
quickly pile up.To help identify when gambling has become an addiction, whether
online or offline, review the following list of questions from the
Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (www.ccpg.org):➟ Is gambling the most exciting activity in your life?
➟ Do you miss work, activities, or other events due to
gambling?➟ Has anyone expressed concern about your gambling?
➟ Do you lie to your friends or family about your
gambling?206
Part II: Using the Internet While Dodging the Risk