Online Gambling is betting on games of chance or skill for money using a computer, tablet or mobile phone. This is different from the traditional casino where customers play table games such as blackjack, roulette and poker. Online gambling is a multi-billion dollar industry and can be extremely addictive. It is a growing concern for adults and young people.
Pathological gambling develops when individuals become preoccupied with gambling and are unable to control their spending or stop gambling, even in the face of negative consequences. Symptoms include increased gambling activity, chasing losses, and the use of credit cards or loans to fund gambling activities. People with a gambling disorder often feel restless without the stimulation of gambling and may try to fill the void by engaging in other behaviours such as shopping or socialising, which can lead to further financial problems.
Gambling has been linked to a range of negative health outcomes including poor sleep, an unhealthy diet and high levels of stress and depression. In addition, those who gamble have an increased risk of heart disease and a higher chance of developing a substance use disorder.
Some countries ban online gambling, while others have legalized it to varying degrees. For example, in the United States, Congress established the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) to prohibit financial transactions for online gambling, but many companies are able to circumvent this law by registering in a state that is not subject to UIGEA regulation.
