Online Gambling is the use of a computer and internet connection to place wagers on games of chance. The process is similar to that of visiting a brick-and-mortar casino, but the difference is that online gambling can be done at any time and on any device. In order to gamble, an individual must first register with a gambling website and verify their age and location. Once they have done this, they will be given a player account with which they can deposit money and play the games that are available.
Online gambling can be highly addictive. A person can access a large number of games at any time, and the ability to wager real money makes it easier for them to lose control. This can lead to financial difficulties and even bankruptcy. In addition, frequent online gaming can be difficult for friends and family to monitor because it often goes unnoticed.
Psychological causes of online gambling may include daily life stresses and underlying mental health problems. For example, researchers at Southern Cross University in Australia have found that higher rates of coexisting depression and anxiety are seen in online gamblers than those who only gamble at land-based casinos. In these cases, the person uses online gambling to distract themselves from the underlying issues and escape negative emotions or events.
A treatment approach for online gambling disorder is psychotherapy, which can be performed individually or in groups. A study published in the journal Annals of General Psychiatry by Dr Sam-Wook Choi and colleagues from several universities in South Korea reports that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for treating online gambling disorder. CBT is a combination of cognitive and behavioral approaches that are designed to help people change their maladaptive thinking, behaviors, and coping strategies.