Online Gambling is gambling conducted via the internet, including casinos, poker and sports betting sites. It is a legitimate business and there are real people behind the scenes, from odds compilers to marketers. To operate, a casino needs to make a profit from the players it takes on. If it doesn’t, the site will fail. There are also plenty of people who work in gambling venues, from dealers to security staff. But these people aren’t one-man shows; they’re part of a multibillion-dollar industry.
Some online gamblers have serious problems, which can lead to family breakdown, debt and even suicide. In addition to that, it can divert money from household spending on essentials such as food and housing. The problem of gambling harm is widespread and often overlooked, particularly in countries where it’s legal. Nevertheless, there are steps that can be taken to prevent it. These include universal pre-commitment (requiring people to set binding limits on time and money spent on gambling) and self-exclusion (enabling people to ban themselves from gambling providers).
It’s important for trusted adults to talk to children and young people about online gambling, including what it is, what forms it can take, how it works and the risks involved. They can also support them to seek help if they feel like they are at risk of developing an unhealthy habit. They can also consider taking GamCare’s online assessment, which asks questions about a person’s gambling behaviour and gives a personalised report.