Online Gamling is the use of a computer or mobile device to place wagers on various types of games of chance or skill. This form of gambling can include sports betting, horse racing, lottery tickets, keno and casino games such as poker and slots. It can be very addictive, and it is important for people to understand how to recognise a problem and seek help when necessary. It is also important to protect your personal information, such as your user name and password. You should never reveal your password to anyone, and you should only use sites that start with a padlock symbol or https.
The purpose of this study was to examine how changes in online gambling operator practices, advertising, inducements, gambling products and financial transactions may have influenced the online behaviour of individuals who are experiencing online gambling problems. This was done through semi-structured interviews with treatment-seekers and non-treatment-seekers who gambled for 10 years or more. Interviews lasted between 45 and 60 minutes and were professionally transcribed. Generalisability of the findings is limited by the small, purposive sample and by the difference in mean age between the two groups.
Both treatment-seekers and non-treatment-seekers reported that changes in online gambling operator practices and advertising undermine self-regulatory efforts and exacerbate harmful gambling behaviours. In particular, the proliferation of exotic bets with poor odds appeared to disproportionately affect those most at risk of gambling harm and to increase the profitability of these high-risk gamblers. This finding contrasts with regulatory and industry objectives to minimise gambling harm and promote responsible and sustainable gambling. However, the current state of gambling regulation in the United States is complicated by the fact that many online gamblers play on foreign websites that are not regulated by their home countries. This raises the spectre of fraudulent activity by offshore operators. It is therefore important to develop better online gambling regulation in the United States to reduce these risks. This is one way in which the country can keep its competitive edge in the global gambling market. However, implementing such measures should involve collaboration between all stakeholders to ensure that these measures are effective. Moreover, the US must avoid becoming a haven for off-shore gambling platforms, which could jeopardise local jobs and tax revenues. It is also crucial that the public is informed about the risks of online gambling, including fraud and cybercrime. If you are concerned about your online gambling habits, please contact GamCare for advice and support. If you are struggling with a problem, they can also help you to get started on the road to recovery. Alternatively, you can try their online assessment tool, which asks a series of questions and gives you a personalised report. This is free to use and confidential, and can be accessed at the bottom of this article.