Although gambling has been seen for many as an opportunity for entertainment, it has become a problem for many of its participants.

The National Council of Problem Gambling currently is working to encourage its members to support a legislative measure introduced this year. Introduced by U.S. Rep. Marty Meehan (D-Ma.), HR 6009: The Comprehensive Awareness of Problem Gambling Act of 2006, currently allocates $71 million for problem gaming awareness and treatment. The funding breaks down to $1 million for a five-year awareness campaign, $20 million for research, and $50 million a year over four years for prevention and treatment.

Some of the current co-sponsors of the legislation include outgoing U.S. Rep. Tom Osborne (R-Neb.).

Though it is illegal in the United States, Internet gambling has also grown in popularity since its emergence in 1995. In order to help combat its growth in the U.S., Congress tied internet gambling into the Wire Act. Recently, the House of Representatives passed HR 4411, which is the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act.

“Accessing online casinos in simple; it can be done anonymously, 24 hours a day, from any computer,” Osborne said this summer in a press release. “These sites also are run offshore outside of U.S. laws and regulations that protect minors and prevent fraudulent practices. This combination of easy access with a lack of safeguards can be devastating to minors, problem gamblers, and others who can easily run up a tremendous debt without leaving home.”

The resolution targets unlawful online gambling by clarifying the Wire Act to specifically prohibit gambling over all forms of communications devices.

“Online gambling is also a drain on our economy,” Osborne said. “Americans will send $5.9 billion overseas this year to offshore casinos, where it will make no contribution to the economy, and will generate no tax revenue.”

According to a 2005 public opinion poll conducted by Luntz, Maslansky Strategic Research, only 4 percent of U.S. residents gamble online. In 2006, the number doubled, signaling the growing popularity of Internet gambling.

A survey conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc. showed online gambling is an emerging phenomenon, with 38 percent of online gamblers indicating they just started the activity in the past year and 70 percent of those surveyed stating they started in the past two years. Online gamblers also stated in the survey a concern about the integrity of online games. Fifty-five percent of those surveyed agreed online casinos find ways to cheat players, while 46 percent believe other online gamblers find ways to cheat.