Online Gambling is an activity in which individuals wager money or other valuables on the outcome of a game or event through a website, mobile phone app or computer software. The risks and dangers associated with online gambling include financial ruin, poor performance at work or school, and emotional distress, including depression and anxiety.

Online gambling can be an addictive behavior, causing individuals to spend more money than they have and accumulate debts. Individuals may also neglect other responsibilities, such as paying bills or attending family or social events. Additionally, some individuals may engage in illegal activities such as theft or fraud to fund their gambling habits. These behaviors can have serious legal consequences.

While most of the risk and protective factors for online gambling are similar to those identified in studies with land-based gamblers, there are several critical elements unique to this population. For example, online gamblers are more likely to be younger and less educated, and they are more likely to have a lower income than other gamblers. Moreover, they tend to have more problems with gambling and have higher levels of emotional distress. In addition, they are more likely to report a disability than nonproblem gamblers. The current research on these topics is limited, and future studies should focus on using more representative samples and examining longitudinal trends. Despite these limitations, it is important to recognize that treatment options for gambling addiction are available. These treatments include therapy, support groups and medication.