Online Gambling is betting or playing games of chance or skill for money, through a laptop, tablet or smartphone with an internet connection. It is becoming increasingly popular and it can be difficult to stop. It can be addictive and may lead to gambling-adjacent behaviours in young people.

In the last decade, technological advances have brought many industries into the online world and online gambling is no exception. Whether it’s wagering on horse races, sports events or online casino games, gambling has become more accessible than ever before. Online casinos are a convenient way to gamble without leaving the comfort of your own home, and they are regulated to protect players from unfair treatment.

Many reputable online casinos are licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission and offer fair gaming options for players of all ages. The process is rigorous and includes testing of games to ensure they are random, secure and free of rigged outcomes. In addition, some sites offer a number of features that allow players to limit their play time, and set win/loss limits. These tools are particularly useful for newcomers to the game or those who struggle with compulsive behaviours.

There are many reasons why someone might gamble online, including daily life stressors and underlying mental health issues. Researcher Sally M Gainsbury explains in her paper published in Current Addiction Reports that people who gamble online often use the activity as a coping mechanism for their problems. She also discusses the link between gambling and mental illness, with individuals who have certain conditions – such as schizophrenia and related disorders, unipolar depression, cluster B personality disorder – at higher risk of developing an addiction to online gambling.