Online Gambling includes the use of computer software or mobile apps to play games and wager money on sports or other events. This can include playing poker, betting on horses, lottery-style games like bingo or scratchcards, and more. Some states allow online gambling while others have banned it altogether. Despite bans, many people find it easy to get around these restrictions and gamble anyway.
Some of the most common consequences of online gambling are financial problems, emotional stress, decline in work or academic performance, and social isolation. Often, people who have a problem with online gambling will rely on credit to sustain their habits, accumulating debt and accumulating interest charges. This can lead to significant monetary loss and even bankruptcy.
People with a pathological gambling disorder may also engage in self-destructive behavior, such as chasing losses or continuing to gamble despite accumulating bad financial results. They may hide their impulsive behaviors from family and friends or resort to deception to cover their activity, which can lead to more serious consequences.
The first step towards recovery from a gambling addiction is acknowledging the issue. People who recognise that they have a problem can seek help, including support groups and self-exclusion options offered by gambling websites. These options can limit a person’s access to gambling sites for a defined period of time, helping them to regain control over their impulsive behavior and refocus on other aspects of their life.