The popularity of the National Lottery has dissolved much of the stigma that once surrounded betting. Whether it be bingo, horse racing, fruit machines or something more serious, over 91 per cent of adults in the UK enjoy the occasional flutter. The most enticing form of gambling is waiting for you online, with more than 5000 sites currently taking bets.

Gambling.com is many punters' first port of call, with links to many other sites with exotic names promising instant riches. Signing up is straightforward: you give your name, address and email details, the webmaster sends you a password and away you go.

One of the things I liked is the free 'ludos', or chips. These are collected by visiting the site on a daily basis and can be used to gamble with, so you don't even have to use your own money.

Remember that three per cent of adults and six per cent of teenagers who gamble become compulsive or have gambling problems - you have been warned.