A new study from Dr. Mark Griffiths of the International Gaming Research Unit claims that online casinos are ten times more addictive than brick and mortar casinos.  If this study is true a solution must be devised and no, prohibition is not the answer.  Online casinos are not going to magically disappear.  Anyone that is determined to play online will.  The industry is also in desperate need of regulation in this country so steps toward legalization should obviously proceed. 

The simple question is what is the best way to help a problem gambler, particularly one the gambles in the privacy of their own home own their personal computer?  Going on a gambling binge in a traditional casino is a very public display.  It is more likely that someone – hopefully a good friend – will tip you off that your gambling hobby may be developing into a serious problem.  It is a little harder to be in denial in front of the hundreds of people that frequent a casino on any given day. 

It is likely that the people gambling online at online casinos are somewhat tech savvy.  On solution is providing them easy online access to gambling problem help.  Most online casinos already have direct links to sites and listings for hot lines.  It might even be helpful to have constant banner reminding gamblers of the signs that indicate a gambling addiction.

The other solution is a bit of a Big Brother answer that many countries are resorting to.  In many countries gamblers are given a wager cap for the week and they are not allowed to wager any more than that set amount.