Whether it’s online casino games, sports betting, fantasy sports, poker or the lottery, gambling is a huge business that’s estimated to bring in more than 9.5 billion dollars a year. But like any activity that involves money, it can be a source of serious harm for some people.
Gambling disorder is a mental health condition, and it’s considered just as harmful as addiction to alcohol or drugs. It can lead to disrupted romantic, social, and work relationships, as well as feelings of withdrawal when someone tries to cut back. Moreover, it can also damage finances and cause stress on the family.
It’s important to be aware of the signs of gambling disorder, including a loss of control, increased risk-taking, and changes in spending and behavior. If you or a loved one has these symptoms, it’s best to seek help immediately. If you’re concerned about your own online gambling habits, set budgets for yourself and only gamble with money that you can afford to lose. And if you’re worried about being a victim of online gambling fraud, make sure to keep an eye on your account activity and report any unauthorized transactions right away.
While there are some aspects of online gambling that differ from those in offline gambling, it doesn’t appear to be necessary to develop new prevention interventions specifically geared towards this mode of gambling. However, if some of the same risk and protective factors exist for both modes of gambling, these should be included in any future prevention efforts.