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B. Paul, Editor, Bonusgambler.com
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The human cost of online gambling
Online gambling may be growing in popularity but as punters rush to place their bets, there are fears that internet gambling is plunging people into debt.
BBC News talks to two people whose lives have been affected by internet gambling and asks a counsellor what can be done if you suspect, you or your relative has a problem.
Neither of his two brothers like betting, nor do his parents. As a teenager, David played the fruit machines but that petered out after getting married and raising a family.
About a year ago, he downloaded some roulette software and was lucky, winning £800 and £500.
Then slowly his luck turned.
Some nights David would come home after a game of squash and a pint and find himself still sitting at the computer at nine in the morning.
The job suffered and he often called in sick or arrived late at lunchtime. He had told his colleagues about the early wins, but the losses he kept to himself.
His stakes got higher - losing a month's wage in a night was nothing unusual; one time he put £5,000 on a credit card.
To stop himself from betting, David has given his computer mouse to a friend. Other mates have changed the password on his gambling accounts, but he has opened new ones.
Gone is the excitement of winning, and in its place is anger and disappointment.
Living on his own and divorced, roulette is a way of beating boredom. Once he starts playing, time disappears. Money doesn't seem real.
Most days he can control his gambling urge, unless he has had a couple of drinks. Then he feels invincible and wants to win his money back.
Last weekend, he was given a lifeline, winning £8,000 in an hour and half. The money almost pays off his debts.
David says he has been lucky and hopes he has got the roulette out of his system.
Source: BonusGambler.com Editors' Choice
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