Online Gambling involves playing games of chance for real money. To get started, you need to register at an online casino, which will ask you to share your personal details and payment information with the site. Once registered, you will be able to deposit money into your account using your credit card. This amount is known as your bankroll. It is important to never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose.
Unlike land-based gambling establishments, internet casinos are accessible at any time and in many places around the world. This accessibility, coupled with the ability to conceal one’s gambling activity, makes them more addictive than other forms of gaming. This addiction to internet gambling can lead to the development of a disorder known as pathological gambling, which is defined by preoccupation with the activity, increasing the intensity of betting to achieve excitement, unsuccessful attempts to control the behavior and continued gambling despite negative consequences. Pathological gambling also shares symptoms with other types of addictions and can lead to disrupted relationships, work and family life, financial stress, and feelings of withdrawal when the behavior is stopped.
People who are at greater risk for developing online gambling problems include those experiencing significant life events such as separation, retirement or the death of a loved one, those living in poverty and those who are at social disadvantage. Heavy promotion of gambling online and through sport is also a concern as it can normalize the behaviour for young people.