Online Gambling involves placing a bet on an event with a chance of winning money or other material goods. It is an activity that can take place at home, in betting shops or on a dedicated website. The most popular form of online gambling is betting on sports events and a growing number of players have also begun to place bets on virtual games.

Unlike traditional casino gaming, where the player must physically visit a physical location to play, online casinos are accessible at any time, day or night, from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection. This high level of accessibility increases the addictive potential of the gambling experience. Online gambling sites use a range of psychological strategies to increase the frequency and duration of gambling sessions. These include visually and auditorily engaging elements, a fast-paced action-oriented interface, and intermittent reinforcement schedules with surprise rewards to keep players engaged.

Some people can develop a serious addiction to online gambling, which is classified as pathological gambling in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Pathological gambling is characterized by preoccupation with gambling, increasing stakes in an attempt to achieve the same level of excitement, unsuccessful attempts to control behavior, and continued gambling despite negative consequences. These symptoms can cause financial problems, emotional stress, a decline in work or academic performance, health issues, legal problems, and relationship conflicts. Some individuals may even resort to illegal activities, such as theft or fraud, to fund their gambling habits, further complicating their lives.