Online Gambling is betting or playing games of chance or skill for money, using a computer, mobile phone, or tablet and an Internet connection. It is a growing global industry, with millions of people participating daily. Although many countries have banned online gambling, it is legal in some states of the United States, most provinces in Canada, and several nations in the European Union.

The online gambling market is vulnerable to fraud, with scammers exploiting vulnerabilities in the gaming platforms. Typical tactics include stealing customer details and opening new accounts to gain an advantage over other players. This type of fraud is especially prevalent during pandemics, when a single customer is worth far more to a game developer than they would be at a physical casino.

Young people are often exposed to gambling behaviours through features of online games like loot boxes and skin betting. In this short video, Myleene Klass explains how adults can help children and young people understand what online gambling is, how to recognise signs that someone may be developing a problem, and what to do about it.

Identifying, detecting and acting on early risk indicators can significantly reduce gambling-related harms sustained by online gamblers. Treatment options can include therapy, support groups such as Gamlers Anonymous, and medication to manage underlying mental health issues. A combination of these strategies can help individuals overcome the urge to gamble, and improve their quality of life. In some cases, gambling may be a way of masking underlying distress and emotions such as anxiety or boredom.