When faced with the prospect of gambling, one receives a wide range of opinions. You get some who object to it on moral or even religious grounds, through those who see it as the odd bit of fun but nothing really serious, through to those who are die-hard pundits who live to gamble.

And gambling has kept up with the times as well; online betting sites are doing storming business with sites such as Blue Square, Party Poker and all other types cropping up all over the place. If one looks hard enough, there will be the opportunity to bet on almost anything; from sport to politics to global events and even Awards ceremonies.

Some call it immoral, but there is little wrong with a flutter on something, a sweepstake or a set bet and this is just why these sites are so popular. From the comfort of your own home you can scan a multitude of websites, find the best odds and double or triple (or more) of your money instantly.

The problem however, arises with the slightly suspect sites. Despite being an anachronism, the bookies’ shop in the high street was a fixed, permanent place and it was easy to hold someone to account. With the web being used more and more for online betting and gambling there is the increasing chance that you will be being fleeced.

It is all very well signing a terms and conditions form upon entering a site, but if that person wants to con you, they can control the odds and the way in which the website runs and short of starting criminal charges there is little you can do. My advice is to stick to the tried and tested online betting sites, ones like Blue Square - the online betting versions of the old high street bookies. At least then, you can feel secure (paradoxically enough) when you take your gamble.