Online Gambling is a form of gambling whereby people wager on various events using an electronic device, such as a computer, mobile phone or tablet. It is a growing industry, with more people than ever before logging in to sites such as an online casino, bingo site or sports book. There are also a growing number of new and different forms of online gambling, such as skin betting. Trusted adults can play an important role in educating children and young people about the risks, dangers and side effects of this type of gambling.

The majority of studies on the topic report that a person who gambles online is more likely to experience psychological distress than an offline gambler, although some research contradicts this finding. For example, Gainsbury et al. (2014)b found that online gamblers were no more distressed than land-based ones, while Goldstein et al. (2016) found that online gamblers experienced more negative moods over time than nononline gamblers.

Many online casinos offer self-exclusion options which allow a player to lock access for a period of months or even years. This is a good option for those who are concerned they may be developing an addiction and need some distance from the games.

Like other types of addiction, gambling problems can lead to disruption in family and romantic relationships, loss of work and other interests, and feelings of withdrawal when a person is trying to cut back. Recognising that there is a problem and seeking support are vital first steps to recovery.