Gambling addiction, whether to poker or any other casino game, is a term that has been haunting the gaming world for a while now. No matter what online destinations you typically visit, you will eventually come across a very attractive invitation to play at an online card room or a casino. And, no two ways about it, gambling online is indeed exciting.

Many online poker rooms and casinos boast very seductive bonuses and promotions. Sometimes you are not even required to invest any money in order to play. You can easily get involved but the way out is not necessarily as easy. So what do you do when you realize that you're hooked and that, although you really want to, you cannot stop gambling? 

Here go some questions provided by the GA website designed to determine whether or not you have become a compulsive gambler. Joining Gamblers Anonymous will help you regain your former life and become healthy once again.

• 1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
• 2. Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
• 3. After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
• 4. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
• 5. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
• 6. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
• 7. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
• 8. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
• 9. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
• 10. Have you ever considered self destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?

Poker Addiction Symptoms

Although statistics show that nearly five percent of all poker room and casino players are addicted to gambling, naturally not all of them are willing to admit it. Perhaps it is because they do not realize the fact that, gambling, just like alcohol, may hold a potential for disaster. Most of them have no idea that what they call a 'gambling hobby' has long since become much more than that.

So how do you recognize poker addiction? The most obvious symptom of getting addicted is when you spend your entire paycheck on poker and other casino games. Indeed, when you no longer realize the difference between your gambling money and your money for daily life, you become a certified casino addict. And when you spend all of your own money, you start borrowing it from your family and friends. Gambling addicts typically lie to their close ones, borrow cash from shady individuals and will stop at nothing in order to fetch some more gambling money. Let's just say you really do not want to go there!

The First Step: Just Admit It

The first step towards recovery is admitting that you have a problem and seek professional help. In our humble opinion, the global Gamblers Anonymous (GA) organization is your best option. Gamblers Anonymous was established in 1957 by two gambling addicts who realized that the best way to recover from this disease (GA consider gambling addiction a disease) is to communicate and discuss this problem. There are no fees for Gamblers Anonymous membership. The only requirement is a strong will to stop gambling.

Gambling is about Entertainment

Gambling addiction is a very serious problem and people who have become addicted should definitely seek professional help. However, we should not forget that gambling was first invented for entertainment purposes. Many of us like the occasional thrill of winning some hard cash in an online poker room or a casino. Gambling is a fun and exciting experience as long as you are in control.