[Jibba]

It is a serious problem. When I was a kid my parents put me in Gamblers Anonymous for betting sports. I was stupid then and just throwing all my money around without a care. These days I keep myself level (hopefully) by simply never using my own money. I made a couple small investments awhile back and have been building on them ever since with the knowledge that if I lose it, I really would have to give up something I truly enjoy. When I feel myself tilting too much and chasing my losses, I make a conscious effort to slow down.

I know how you feel since my wife occasionally brings up a friend of hers who's husband secretly lost a couple grand playing poker online (he's actually very good live, but didn't adjust for online where people call too much). If it's not someone you care about, tell them it's none of their business in a polite way. If it is a loved one, then you have to deal with it head on. Make them comfortable with the fact that you're not going to gamble your life away.