About Online Gambling
Online gambling—which includes casinos, sports betting, poker and fantasy sports—can be fun and exciting, but for millions of people it can become a harmful addiction. Like other types of addictive substances and activities, online gambling can lead to financial problems, disrupted relationships and feelings of withdrawal when someone tries to cut back. It can also be socially unacceptable, leading to societal pressure to restrict gambling and to push for legislation.
Gambling online is usually done via a computer or mobile device and involves paying to play. There are many ways to pay, including credit/debit cards and e-wallets. Most reputable online gambling sites use advanced security measures to protect personal and payment data. In addition, they have their software and RNGs regularly audited by third parties to ensure they are fair.
While the home remains the main location for people to gamble online, one in five online gamblers have used a computer outside of the home. This figure has remained relatively stable since the last survey in 2018. Young people are often introduced to gambling behaviours through features in online games, such as loot boxes and skin betting.
While there are no universal treatment options for people with an online gambling addiction, behavioral therapy can be effective. This approach focuses on changing the harmful thought patterns and behaviors that fuel addiction, and teaches healthier coping mechanisms. It can also be combined with support groups, and medication in some cases.