Online Gambling is betting on games of chance or skill for money using a computer, tablet or smartphone with internet access. The online gambling industry is growing rapidly, with a large number of sites offering a variety of games for real money. Many of these websites offer free play or try-before-you-buy options for new players. It is important to research the safety and security of an online casino before deciding to deposit any money.
Some people become addicted to online gambling, leading to financial loss and debt accumulation. This addiction can lead to poor health through sleep deprivation, unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. It can also lead to relationship breakdown, family violence, stigma and income-generating offenses such as theft and fraud. It is also a common way to launder money obtained through illegal activities.
Despite the growing popularity of online gambling, there is little global agreement on how to regulate it. This poses risks for the normalization of gambling behaviours for young people, who are often exposed to the concept through features in popular video games such as loot boxes and skin betting. People experiencing significant life events may be particularly at risk of developing an online gambling problem.
While the majority of research on online gambling is cross-sectional, there is a growing body of evidence that shows a number of similarities between offline and online gamblers. This research can help inform prevention interventions, such as universal pre-commitment (requiring people to set binding limits for time and money spent on gambling) and self-exclusion (allowing people to ban themselves from gambling providers). Such interventions should be targeted at individuals who are most likely to benefit from them.
