Online Gambling refers to gambling on electronic devices that allow a person to bet on sports, horse racing and casino games. It is an $9.5 billion per year industry that can be addictive and dangerous for some. It can lead to financial stress, relationship problems and mental illness. It is also a significant risk factor for suicide. Gambling can cause harm in the workplace, at home and in communities. It is important to educate people about the risks of gambling and provide help for those who are harmed by gambling.
People are at higher risk of gambling harm when they live in areas of greater disadvantage, when they have experienced a life event (e.g. separation, retirement) or when their circumstances change for any reason. Heavy promotion of gambling products on the internet and through sport increases risks and leads to a disproportionate uptake of gambling by people from more disadvantaged backgrounds. It is essential that gambling products are regulated to limit their availability and promotion, particularly for children and young people.
In general, people who gamble online do so from the privacy of their own homes, although one in five has done so elsewhere. It is important to understand that the choice to gamble in different settings is influenced by social and relational factors, which have been relatively poorly investigated. However, it is not clear whether new prevention interventions are required to target these specific aspects of gambling or whether they can be incorporated into universal interventions.