Online Gambling is the activity of placing a wager using the internet on games of chance or skill. The rise of technology has made this form of gambling more accessible and popular. The convenience of being able to gamble at any time of the day from any device has increased the appeal and has encouraged people of all ages to play. Online gambling also allows people to remain anonymous, which has helped with its growth.
There is growing concern that the ease of access to online gambling may increase problem behaviours. The development of new technologies that allow online gambling to be more immersive and social has contributed to its growth. This includes virtual reality, which can add to the overall experience and offer a unique perspective. In addition, the release of dopamine when winning online gambling can reinforce addictive behavior and lead to compulsive gambling. This can have a serious impact on people’s lives, leading to disrupted relationships and financial difficulties.
The nature of online gambling means that it is hard for regulators to monitor and control. For example, few websites share their data with regulators, which limits the ability of regulators to identify and intervene early on with people who are at risk of developing a gambling disorder. In addition, many online gambling operators have their own internal controls in place, which are generally not based on clinical assessment and can be difficult to audit.
If you are concerned that your gambling has become a problem, you can take GamCare’s free online assessment. This will ask you a series of questions and then provide you with a personalised report about your gambling behaviour.