COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Video games have come a long way over the last two decades. For some players, they may have gone too far, Columbus television station WCMH.

Will Kenny, a Central Ohio college student, loves to play video games. He said that when he plays, sometimes entire chunks of the day disappear.

"It doesn't sound healthy when you say it, but I can't deny I've done it before," Kenny said.

Kenny is just one player in the multibillion-dollar video game industry. Video games aren't limited to console games. They're in bars, restaurants and on the Internet. With video games everywhere, there's a potential for addiction.

"When I can't blink without my eyes hurting, that's a pretty dead giveaway I've been staring at the screen way too long," Kenny said.

There's a fine line between being a serious gamer and having an addiction. Dr. Alan Levy said that video games can become an impulsive behavior, a pleasure-seeking activity that overtakes aspects of a person's life, harming family, social and work relationships.

He believes that there's an allure to achieving success in the world of video games.

"They might not be able to crack the code of the popular clique at school, but they can be master of the universe in a video game," Levy said.

Kenny cited similar reasons for why he plays.

"In a game, you can be powerful. You can control other people. You can be competitive with other people," Kenny said.

Although Kenny enjoys playing video games, he said he is not addicted and plays just for fun.

Some video games have financial consequences. Since January 2003, it's estimated that online poker Web sites have increased their business by almost $136 million. According to the Ohio Lottery Commission, online gambling is illegal.

For video game addicts, there's help. On-line Gamers Anonymous has developed a 12-step program to help overcome addiction. The key is admitting gaming is a problem. Levy said that support groups can be extremely helpful in dealing with addiction.

"Individuals who have addictive personalities or impulsive kinds of problems tend not to respond to medications, such as Ritalin. Psychotherapy and support groups are much more successful in dealing with those issues," Levy said.