Online Gambling is the use of a computer and an internet connection to place bets or play casino games. It has become a popular pastime for many people, with an estimated $9.5 billion business in 2021. However, it is important to understand the risks of gambling online and know when you are in danger of becoming addicted.
While the popularity of this type of gambling continues to grow, there are also concerns that online gaming can lead to financial and emotional problems. It is easy to spend hours playing games online without realizing how much time and money you are spending, which can result in addiction or social isolation. Additionally, unregulated online gambling platforms can offer unfair odds and rigged games. This can make it difficult to protect yourself from financial losses and personal information theft.
Despite the growth of online gambling, the vast majority of gamblers still gamble in their home. The percentage that do this hasn’t shifted significantly in the past year, with laptops, PCs and tablets continuing to be popular routes of access.
For those struggling with online gambling, there are a number of treatment options available to help address the issue. One such approach is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), where the individual works with a therapist to identify harmful thinking patterns, such as feeling “due to win” after losing, and learn tools to reframe their reactions. Another approach is motivational interviewing, where the individual works with a counselor to enhance their motivation to change by jointly exploring their ambivalence about gambling.