Online Gambling includes betting or playing games of chance for money using a remote device such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone with an internet connection. This includes activities such as sports wagering, fantasy sports, and online lottery tickets, keno, and casino games like poker, roulette, and slots. It also includes online bookmakers, horse race betting exchanges, and daily fantasy sports sites. However, it does not include video lottery terminals (VLT).
Research indicates that there are a number of environmental factors that contribute to online gambling addiction. These include easy accessibility to gambling websites through the internet and mobile devices, targeted advertising, social pressures from friends, and a lack of regulation in many jurisdictions. The online environment also allows people to conceal their gambling behavior more readily than in person, which increases the risk of problem gambling. Another contributing factor is the dysregulation of the brain’s reward systems triggered by gambling. This can lead to the development of pathological gambling, wherein individuals become preoccupied with the activity and continue to gamble despite negative consequences.
The most common effects of online gambling are financial problems, emotional stress, and deteriorating physical health. Financial strain occurs when individuals spend more than they can afford, often chasing losses or hoping to make large winnings. In addition, they may borrow money or use credit cards to fund their habit, which can lead to mounting debt and strained relationships. Mood changes, such as depression and irritability, can also occur.