Online Gambling is a digital activity where real money is staked on games of chance through the Internet or mobile devices. It can be addictive if not played responsibly and can lead to financial ruin. It can also damage relationships and create social isolation. Recognizing problems and seeking treatment are the first steps in overcoming them.

While online gambling is an $9.5 billion per year industry, there are concerns about its negative effects on society. Those concerns include the risk of addiction, financial ruin, and disrupted family, work, and other relationships. Problems with online gambling can also cause mental health issues and affect work productivity.

The growing popularity of online gambling platforms opens the door to fraud and scams. Using the anonymity of the Internet, dishonest operators can create fake websites and apps that steal personal information or manipulate games to cheat players. Regulatory authorities must be vigilant in identifying and responding to these threats, especially those that involve phone top-up abuse, money laundering, and other illicit activities.

People who gamble online typically have multiple accounts. On average, men hold more online gambling accounts than women, and younger people tend to use their accounts more frequently. The average person has two to five online gambling accounts, and 5% of those aged 65 and over have more than five. Those who have several online gambling accounts often report having difficulty separating their gambling time from other activities. As a result, they can find it hard to stop gambling when they should.