There have been concerns about the effects of introducing access to gambling into the home via the internet, and this may be one of the results. Though what the results really tell is another debate. Stay-at-home women are apparently developing gambling problems. One such instance involved a stay-at-home mom & wife who amassed five-figure debt within one year of beginning to gamble online. In addition the same individual has been late picking up her children.

Problems such as these seem to be definite signs of addiction and the behaviors that it creates. The National Problem Gambling Clinic in London's Soho is launching a child-minding service in an attempt to encourage stay-at-home Mom's to seek help for their addiction. The British Medical Association is seeking to have gambling recognized officially as an addiction in the NHS. This could likely be used to more easily direct funds toward helping individuals with the treatment of their problems.

One anthropologist who has written a book on compulsive gambling says that electronic gambling can create a trance-like state in players. Gambling reportedly creates in men a cocaine-like rush, while in women it induces a methadone-like numbness. Playing these games apparently has the potential to shift your inner mood and state.

According to the Gambling Commission there are likely between 236,000 and 378,000 problem gamblers in Britain. Evidence suggesting that the number of women with problems has double in the recent years. Gamblers Anonymous estimates that the number is closer to 600,000.

Charities that provide support for individuals with gambling problems are reporting rising numbers among women callers to their hotlines. One online help site is reporting an equal number of women and men requesting help through the site.

Some sites seem to be deliberately targeting women players. The color schemes and other design choices seem to be directed at female audiences. This may be good for business, but there are growing questions about what the impact will be for some of those players. Some may find themselves in financial ruin.