THE internet is adding a more sinister twist to the evils of gambling.

The story of a council officer who, aged just 44, hanged himself after piling up debts of £53,000 with internet casino games is truly shocking.

Mario Opalka sat for hours alone in front of his computer, seeking solace in the slick world of internet gambling thrills.

Had he been sitting in a real casino he may have come to his senses before it was too late.

But the abstract world of cyberspace and the greedy credit card companies willing to hand out loans with no questions asked made it easy for him to lose his grip on reality.

These money-grabbing sites should be shut down now.