Online Gambling is the use of a computer or mobile phone to wager money on games such as sports wagering, fantasy sports, esports and casino games like poker and slot machines. It is an increasingly common activity, especially in countries where traditional casinos have closed or are not legal to operate.

Online gambling is accessible on both desktop computers and smartphones. Players create an account, choose the games they want to play and deposit funds through the site. Then they start betting or playing and can win real cash prizes. There are several ways to gamble online, but the most popular is using a credit or debit card. Most real-money gambling sites accept Visa and MasterCard, but some also accept American Express, Discover, or prepaid cards. Some even accept cryptos such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, which offer a secure, fast, and anonymous way to gamble online.

Despite the many ways to gamble online, most people still prefer to do so at home. Nevertheless, the trend of using mobile devices to access online gambling is continuing, and the availability of new games and features (e.g. in-play betting and esports) makes it more attractive than ever.

Treatment for online gambling addiction can help a person change self-destructive behaviors and learn healthy ways to manage their emotions. Therapy usually involves psychotherapy, and research shows that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective approach. This type of therapy teaches patients how to identify and cope with their emotions, and how to change their thoughts and actions that support unhealthy behavior.