Online Gambling is the use of an Internet connection to play games of chance or skill for money. These games can be played on a computer, tablet or mobile phone. They can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection, but are often most popular in states where gambling is legal.
Most people who gamble online do so at home, although a small proportion say they have also used the Internet to gamble while working or on their commute. The number who have done this has fallen since 2020, which may reflect the effect of lockdowns.
Problem gambling is a serious issue that can cause severe financial problems. Individuals with problem gambling can lose large amounts of money and end up in debt, as well as experiencing social isolation, depression or stress. It can also lead to a decline in work or academic performance, and can have negative effects on relationships and physical health. In some cases, individuals may even resort to illegal activities, such as theft or fraud, in order to fund their gambling habits.
Research has shown that a person’s genetic predisposition is important for their risk of developing a gambling problem. A study titled ‘Genetic and Environmental Influences on Gambling Behaviour’ by Xuan et al found that an individual’s predisposition to gambling is moderately heritable. The findings suggest that it is possible to identify a person’s predisposition to develop a gambling problem, and that this should be incorporated into treatment programmes for problem gambling.