What is Online Gambling?

Online Gambling is when people play casino games, sports betting, horse racing, or other casino-style gambling on a computer or mobile device. The games are regulated by state and federal laws to ensure players are safe from criminal activity such as credit card fraud and money laundering. Many states, such as New Jersey, have a reputation for being leaders in the iGaming industry and have developed strong regulatory environments to control licensing, operational compliance and permissible types of gambling.

While it’s possible to gamble responsibly, many people do not and this can lead to financial problems, emotional distress, social isolation, and even health issues. A common symptom of gambling addiction is a decline in work or school performance, which may cause someone to lose their job or miss important deadlines. Some individuals also resort to illegal activities, such as theft or fraud, to fund their gambling habit, leading to legal issues and further stress.

Identifying and addressing the root causes of gambling behavior can help people overcome their addiction. Psychotherapy treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing are helpful for identifying and treating underlying issues that contribute to the desire to gamble. Through CBT, patients can learn to recognize faulty thinking patterns, such as the belief that they’re “due to win” after a string of losses, and develop tools to reframe these thoughts more productively. During motivational interviewing, a therapist can help a person enhance their motivation to change by exploring their ambivalence about gambling and identifying ways to address it.