Online Gambling is an industry that has grown exponentially in the last two decades. It can take many forms – from online sports betting and poker to casino games like blackjack, roulette and slots. It can also be found in other games, such as esports, where players can wager real money on their performance. It is a widespread activity that skews towards younger people but can affect all ages and genders.
Several psychological factors can lead to gambling addiction. One of the most common is “chasing losses,” which is the compulsion to continue gambling in an attempt to recover lost funds from previous sessions. This can lead to significant financial losses and a vicious cycle that prevents the individual from stopping their gambling activities.
Another risk factor is co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety or mood disorders. Studies have shown that individuals who gamble online have higher rates of these comorbidities than those who do not gamble. A 2023 study titled “Association between Problem Gambling and Personality Traits” found that those with high levels of neuroticism, low levels of conscientiousness and low levels of agreeableness are more likely to develop gambling problems.
Online gambling also allows individuals to hide their identity, which can make it harder for law enforcement to catch them. This enables criminals to use stolen credit cards and fake identities to deposit and withdraw funds, as well as engage in money laundering activities. In response, a number of online gambling platforms have incorporated anti-money laundering measures into their software.