The Internet has created a tremendous problem for anyone with a gambling habit. There are an abundance of easily accessible online gambling sites and activities. 24/7 access to gambling sites can be a disaster for a person who is trying to stop gambling. With an abundance of online casinos and betting sites, anyone with a gambling addiction and an Internet connection is faced with constant temptation to log on and just make one more bet.

Why can’t someone just stop gambling on their own? Do they enjoy losing money?

A compulsive gambler often wants to stop gambling. After all, he is losing his hard earned money, risking his relationships, suffering from mood swings and stress . . . But he can not just decide to stop gambling without help. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) – the American handbook for mental health professionals – Compulsive Gambling is a mental disorder that requires treatment.

How do you know if someone should stop gambling? After all, many people have control of their gambling and enjoy it.

Problem gambling is characterized by a difficulty to limit the amount of time and money spent on gambling which leads to harmful effects on the gambler as well as those close to him or her. Compulsive gambling is now defined as persistent and recurrent maladaptive gambling behavior meeting five of the following behaviors:

1. Preoccupation. He/She has frequent thoughts about gambling experiences, whether past, future, or fantasy.

2. Tolerance. He/She requires larger or more frequent wagers to experience the same “rush”.

3. Withdrawal. Restlessness or irritability associated with attempts to cease or reduce gambling.

4. Escape. Gambles to improve mood or escape problems.

5. Chasing. He/She tries to win back gambling losses by gambling.

6. Lying. Lies to hide his or her gambling habit.

7. Loss of control. He/She has unsuccessfully attempted to reduce gambling.

8. Illegal acts. He/She has broken the law in order to obtain gambling money or recover gambling losses.

9. Risked significant relationship. Gambles despite risking or losing a relationship, job, or other significant opportunity.

10. Bailout. He/She turns to family, friends, or another third party for financial assistance as a result of gambling.

How Can you Help Someone Stop Gambling?

If you know someone who is gambling too much on the Internet, you can do a lot to help them. First of all, get rid of the constant temptation to get online and place bets. Fortunately, that does not mean you need to completely block them from the family computer or cancel yourInternet connection. If your loved one admits he/she has a gambling problem and they want help to stop gambling, you can agree together to start by blocking their ability to gamble online. By installing a good web filter, you can immediately block gambling and betting websites from your PC, virtually stopping them from reaching casino and other betting websites.