Hartford - The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling urged lawmakers Monday to be cautious when deciding whether to legalize and regulate Internet gambling in the state.

Marvin Steinberg, the council's executive director, told the General Assembly's finance committee that the convenience and anonymity of online gambling, coupled with the absence of social cues, makes it a particularly dangerous form of gambling.

Illegal opportunities for Internet gambling are already as close as a cursor click, Steinberg said, but more residents would undoubtedly start logging on if state officials move to legalize it.

"Promotion, especially by the state, sanctions it, so more people who haven't done it before try it," said Steinberg, who is retiring this week after more than 30 years with the private, nonprofit agency.

Steinberg said the agency is neither endorsing nor opposing Internet gambling, but wants legislators to understand the potential ramifications of expanded gaming.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has expressed a view that widespread online gambling is now inevitable because of a U.S. Department of Justice decision in December, and Connecticut should be ready. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said this month that he wants his state to become an "epicenter" for Internet gambling.

Yet Malloy was noncommittal Friday when asked by reporters if he supports legalizing Internet gambling. However, the governor said that if legal online gaming does happen in Connecticut, he would suggest increasing the state funding to help problem gamblers to a full 1 percent of any new gambling revenues.

About $1.9 million a year is now diverted from Connecticut Lottery proceeds to assist problem gamblers.

Mary Drexler, the council's assistant director, told legislators that teenagers are at particular risk of developing online gambling problems and that better safeguards should be established.

Another problem, Drexler said, is that online gambling losses can mount quickly because computer users don't have to pull out their wallets or visit an ATM. "The loss of money might not feel as real," she said.

State Sen. Andrea Stillman, D-Waterford, said the council presented some valid concerns.

"At this point I would have a great deal of difficulty in voting for a bill for expanding gambling," Stillman said after the meeting. "I don't think that's the appropriate way to grow revenues in Connecticut. We should be looking at creating real jobs."

j.reindl@theday.com