Visiting a casino online or in-person is risky to people who have difficulty controlling their urges to gamble.
While land casinos offer other types of entertainment besides gambling alone, they increase the risk of gambling through providing real-world sensory cues -- lights, an enticing high-energy environment -- that increase gambling urges.
However, when you access a casino online, the focus is primarily on gambling itself, resulting in intense involvement with the gambling activity, without other distractions. The ability to pay by credit card rather than with chips also increases the chance of running up large debts quickly.
If you find you are spending a lot while visiting a casino online or in-person, you can try self-exclusion from land casinos and limiting the amount you spend (i.e. lose) while visiting a casino online. For some, complete cessation of gambling at either may be necessary.
Gambling addiction is the best resourced of the behavioral addictions, and there are many hotlines and services that will help you address your gambling problems.
