Online Gambling involves playing games on the internet where you can bet and win real money. To play, you need a device (computer, smartphone or tablet), an internet connection and money. The most common games are casino games that rely on chance, while some card games require strategies. Some online gambling sites also offer social media-based gaming, where you can interact with other players.
In addition to financial problems, a serious online gambling problem can cause emotional distress and lead to relationship issues. Often, people use gambling to cope with underlying issues, such as anxiety or boredom. Identifying and treating these underlying issues can help reduce the urge to gamble.
While the average number of gambling accounts has stayed around three, younger people tend to hold more and use them more frequently. This is likely because the popularity of video game loot boxes, which contain virtual items that can be traded for real money, has influenced young people to gamble online more.
While most online gamblers use computers to access online casinos, mobile devices have become increasingly popular for gambling on the go. However, most gamblers still prefer to gamble in the home. As a result, the number of people who say they have gambled outside their home hasn’t changed significantly during the pandemic. Despite this, one in five online gamblers say they have used their mobile phone to gamble while out and about. This may be due to the fact that it is easy to gamble while on the move with a mobile phone, even when you don’t have a computer handy.