Online Gambling is betting or playing games of chance for money, usually from a computer, mobile phone or tablet. This can take a number of forms, including online casino gambling, sports betting and state lottery games. Many online games also include features that can be classed as gambling, such as loot boxes and skin betting. It’s important that trusted adults try to educate children and young people about the risks of online gambling, and how to spot signs that a child or young person may be developing a problem.
The ability to place large wagers, the ease of access and speed of feedback make online gambling attractive for some people. However, it is also easy for players to be impulsive and lose control of their finances. This can lead to problems such as debt, financial hardship and emotional distress.
There are a range of services and support available to help someone overcome an addiction to gambling. Some of the most effective treatments are cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing. CBT helps someone identify harmful thoughts and behaviours, such as the feeling that they are ‘due to win’ after a loss, and learn tools to reframe these beliefs. Motivational interviewing helps a person examine their ambivalence about change and develop a plan to tackle the issue.
Identifying triggers that make you want to gamble can be helpful, for example stress or being bored. Finding healthy ways to manage these emotions can help you stop gambling and focus on other activities.