Online Gambling is any form of gambling that occurs via the internet, including casino games and sports betting. It is illegal in most countries, but some jurisdictions have started to legalize and regulate it.
It is important to choose a legitimate, regulated and safe online casino site that complies with all relevant laws. These casinos should have a license and be subject to rigorous testing by external agencies.
Legitimate online casinos should uphold responsible gambling and player protection policies, provide dependable payouts and have clear licensing details. They should also be subject to strict monitoring of government bodies that regulate them.
The main advantage of online gambling is the convenience it provides, particularly for those who are unable to travel to casinos or betting shops. Using a computer, phone or tablet, Internet gamblers can play from the comfort of their home, at times convenient for them and with their own money.
Despite the benefits of Internet gambling, it is widely recognized that the number of people who experience problems with this mode of gambling has increased dramatically in recent years. Research is needed to identify and monitor risk indicators in this population, to detect problems early and to provide tailored intervention and support for those at risk of disordered gambling.
Many theoretical models of gambling and problem gambling have been developed based on land-based gambling, and researchers need to consider whether these can account for pathological Internet gambling, or to include new variables or interactions to explain the emergence of gambling problems in this population. Further, research needs to determine the extent to which behavioural characteristics distinguish Internet gamblers at risk for developing problems and how these may interact with other predictors of risk [22-24].