Online gambling involves placing a bet or wager on games of chance via the Internet. This can include poker, sports betting and casino games but does not include video lottery terminals (VLT).

Regulation of online gambling differs from country to country and is often implemented on a state or territory level. Some countries prohibit or restrict gambling activities while others regulate it and tax the profits. In the United States, real money online gambling is legal in some jurisdictions but not others.

While online gambling does not pose as many risks as other forms of gambling, it can be addictive and cause problems such as financial ruin, debts, poor performance at school or even depression and anxiety. Individuals struggling with problem gambling are encouraged to seek help from a support group or counseling service.

Fraud and security issues are a major concern for gambling operators. Fraudulent activity can impact revenue streams and result in costly chargebacks. It can also harm relationships with payment processors and require significant resource to manage.

Aside from fraudulent activity, it is important to ensure that gambling platforms are secure and comply with local laws. This is essential to protect the interests of players, prevent criminals from using the site and allow financial contributions from gaming operations to be utilized appropriately for the benefit of society.