What is Online Gambling?

Online Gambling is the use of the internet for placing wagers on various games of chance and skill. This can include sports betting, casino gambling, lottery tickets, keno, and other types of game-related wagering.

Most people who gamble online do so from the comfort of their own homes, using laptops, PCs or tablets to access a wide variety of websites and applications. However, one in five of those who have gambled online in the past year say they did so outside of their home.

The popularity of online gambling has spawned a number of different applications and services to support the activity. Many of these are designed to make the experience as immersive and engaging as possible, with a range of features including live betting and streaming. This helps to create a sense of real-time urgency for the gambler, increasing their chances of winning and reducing their risk of losing.

While most people who gamble online do so responsibly, some people develop an addiction to the practice. This can lead to a variety of problems, including preoccupation with gambling and a inability to control or stop it. Other symptoms can include chasing losses in an attempt to recover previous losses, and the use of gambling as a way to escape negative emotions or stressful situations.

If you or someone you know has a problem with online gambling, it is important to seek help. GamCare can provide free, confidential support and advice for anyone with a gambling problem. You can also take their online gambling assessment tool to get a personalised report and recommendations for next steps.