Online Gambling refers to any form of gambling done on the Internet. This includes online poker, casinos and sports betting. It is a growing industry and has become increasingly popular since the late 1990s when it first gained popularity. The legality of online gambling varies from country to country, and it is often highly regulated.
There are many concerns regarding the potential for online gambling to contribute to gambling disorders. These include the ease of access (e.g., 24/7 availability), the ability to hide gambling activity from others, and the seeming unlimited amount of money available for wagering. In addition, there are privacy concerns with unregulated websites where personal information can be vulnerable to hackers and sold to spammers.
Identifying triggers and finding healthy activities to replace online gambling can help someone overcome addiction to this addictive behavior. Taking up new hobbies or spending time with friends and family can provide some needed balance to one’s life. Seeking support and seeking professional treatment are also good options for individuals who are struggling with this issue.
As the Internet gambling market continues to grow, it is important for operators to proactively promote responsible gambling to their customers. This could include providing player-focused tools and resources for moderating play such as expenditure tracking, self-set spend limits and time outs. It is also important for operators to enact strategies that can detect risky players and to take action such as account suspensions and self-exclusion.