Virtual betting games could encourage problem gambling, experts warn

Simulated online betting games could lead people to engage in problematic gambling in real life, experts have warned.

Research has revealed around 20 percent of people who play simulated slot machines, lotteries and casino tables online move to commercial, and potentially problematic, gambling.

“They look and feel just like gambling… the bells and the whistles, the noises you get when you win,” Anna Thomas from the Australian Gambling Research Centre said.

Ms Thomas told 9NEWS the “practice” games could embed gambling behaviors into people before they even spend a cent.

Anti-gambling advocates also fear the virtual games are priming the new generation to become punters.

“This is literally grooming young people… I regard it as quite evil,” Tim Costello from the Alliance For Gambling Reform told 9NEWS.

He also expressed concerns online games had no way of being regulated.

Recovering poker machine addict Anna Bardsley agreed the accessibility of the games was dangerous.

“After my experience with poker machines I wouldn't go near them… they are something hideous waiting to happen,” Ms Bardsley said.