Does online gambling make it easier to become addicted?

In the past, people who love to gamble would have to leave their homes, drive to the closest casino and spend time, money and energy there to have a good time. However, now many are able to enjoy online slot machines, table games and other varieties of gambling right from the comfort of their own homes. Some might wonder, has the ease of online gambling made becoming addicted easier?

According to the Hartford Courant, some studies show that while it may not directly cause an addiction, the accessibility and little effort it takes to place a bet, may up peoples desire to take risks in comparison to those playing at a land based casino. This can then lead to the activity becoming a bigger part of a person's life, leading to addiction.

"It's similar to drinking - when you're developing a drinking problem you're doing it socially, but many alcoholics eventually turn to drinking alone at home," Nancy Petry, a psychologist at the University of Connecticut, told the publication. "When gambling at home on a computer, there are none of the social sanctions of real-world settings and that makes it easier to go overboard."

Although some people can go too far when it comes to gambling, many view it as a fun way to blow off some steam, from the comfort of their homes.

Are you fearful of trying online gambling because of addiction? Is it a real concern or do you think a person with a gambling addiction would have the problem regardless of whether or not online casinos existed?