By just switching on their computer, people can double their money or, more often than not, lose everything they have. We spoke to some of Preston's specialist staff about this growing addiction.

Digital gambling and the increased use of electronic cash is creating more problem gamblers in Preston.

Software designed to make gambling more accessible and the emergence of over 1,700 UK associated gambling sites are partly to blame for the problem more than doubling across the UK since 2001.

Dale Mordlock, an addiction therapist at Preston's Priory Hospital, in Bartle, says there's been a definite increase in the number of gamblers walking through the doors.

He says: "The Internet has made gambling much more accessible and a lot easier to get into large amounts of debt.

"The behaviour of a gambling addict is very similar to that of a drug addict. Some become deceitful, turn to crime and fraud.

"Others use life savings or credit – whatever they can get their hands on. The results can be devastating."

In many cases, the first sign the problem is serious can be when they realise their savings have gone, they lose their car or have their house taken from them.

A report in the US Journal of Gambling Studies suggests that living within 10 miles of a casino is linked to a 90% increase in the odds of being a pathological or problem gambler.

And with Manchester recently awarded the first Las Vegas style 'super-casino', experts fear the numbers of gamblers could increase yet further.

Dale says: "These super-casinos will be a huge attraction for gamblers. Effects might not been seen straight away, but I believe it will create more problems."

The Priory Hospital employs highly-qualified addiction therapists for people who want help and need to discuss their treatment options.

The programme includes in-patient, outpatient and day therapy. Dr Kay Rahman, consultant psychiatrist medical director of the Priory Hospital, said that although research was scarce, there is a definite prevalence for young men to use the Internet for gambling.

He said: "There are many reasons why people become addicted to gambling, but one that affects young men deeply is the dream world of the compulsive gambler or the urge to be a 'big shot.'

"Young men are generally very competitive and try to fulfil an image they create of themselves as having access to luxury and power as a result of gambling. In addition, with the deregulation in gaming laws in the UK comes new freedom in how companies can market their products and services.

"For most Internet gamblers the psychological element of electronic cash becomes less real and, in turn, makes the losses seem less real.

"This, combined with constant access, can lead people to lose track of time and therefore lose more."

The effects on family and friends can be catastrophic, and many gamblers become alienated from those closest to them.

Therapist Dale says the 12-step model is used, the same as when treating other addictions such as alcohol and drugs.

He said: "The first thing people have to do is to admit they have a problem, then learn about the damage done and how unmanageable it's become. We encourage them to attend self-help groups and support groups."

Mr Mordlock said the compulsion can be transferred to other aspects of life, such as sex or drinking, and often the urge may never completely go away.

"Dealing with the reasons why people gamble can help, but it is so easy to start these days on the Internet. A flick of a switch."

One gambler, 42-year-old Bill, battles with his addiction on a daily basis and often finds himself at the mercy of fruit machines.

He says: "Gambling ruins my self-esteem, my relationships and my values. It also costs money but that is not the real cost. Addiction is a nasty illness that I am powerless over. My gambling is more powerful than me."