Online Gambling is an activity where real money is used to place bets on games of chance via a digital device. The game play is often the same as that found in traditional casinos and can be done from any computer, mobile phone, or tablet with an internet connection. The main difference is that the winnings and losses are recorded on a bankroll instead of physical cash.
While many people enjoy gambling as a way to spend their leisure time, for some it can become a serious problem. Those with gambling disorders can experience harm similar to other forms of addiction, including disrupted personal and family relationships, problems at work and school, and feelings of withdrawal when trying to cut back or stop gambling. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, gambling disorder is listed under substance-related and addictive disorders.
The psychological well-being of online gamblers has been poorly investigated, but it does appear to be influenced by the quality and quantity of their personal relationships. One study reports that the low quantity and poor quality of relationships in a gambler’s life is associated with higher rates of pathological gambling. In addition, high impulsivity and a dysfunctional personality have also been reported as risk factors for gambling problems.
Some children and young adults are introduced to gambling behaviours through features in popular video games like loot boxes and skin betting. While most people who play these games are not at risk for developing gambling disorders, it is important to know how to recognize the signs that someone may be developing a gambling problem.