Online Gambling is the activity of placing bets and wagers on games of chance or skill via the Internet. Technological advances have allowed for the proliferation of this form of gambling, which is currently a $9.5 billion industry. While the convenience and accessibility of Online Gambling has benefits, it also poses certain risks for gamblers and the broader community.
While efforts to pass uniform federal legislation on Internet gambling have failed, states are now largely responsible for their own regulatory policies. This has led to a situation where online casino, sports betting, and other gambling activities are legal in some areas, while others have statutory bans and continue to prohibit the activity entirely.
For individuals who are concerned that they may be developing an addiction to online gambling, there are several signs to look for. These include unauthorized transactions on bank statements, an increased number of logged-in sessions and unusual or uncharacteristic behavior. In addition, it is important to use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for added security.
While gambling disorder shares many symptoms with other types of addiction, such as disrupted personal relationships and feelings of withdrawal when the behavior is stopped, it is unique in that it involves a set of learned behaviors rather than an inherent personality trait or chemical imbalance. Behavioral therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can be effective in addressing gambling addiction. There are also medications available for those who do not respond to therapy alone.
