Online Gambling involves placing wagers on games, events or other outcomes that are conducted on the Internet. It is legal in some countries of the world and is regulated by state gaming control commissions and other government authorities. The availability and ease of use of online gambling has increased its popularity and led to concerns about problems associated with it.
Online gambling is more difficult to regulate than traditional forms of gambling. In addition, it can be harder to monitor a person’s behavior when they are online. Some people are also more likely to gamble on the Internet than in other settings, because they can access casinos and other betting sites at their convenience.
Many people who gamble are affected by psychological factors, such as underlying mental illness or social issues. A study in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions found that persons with certain mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders, are more at risk of gambling addiction.
There are many treatment options available for online gambling addiction, including cognitive-behavioral therapy. This treatment teaches the skills needed to stop gambling and focuses on both individual and group therapy sessions. It also includes motivational interviewing (MI), which is a form of counseling that helps patients work through their ambivalence and commit to change. MI is particularly effective with individuals who have mild to moderate gambling addictions. A comprehensive rehabilitation program may include an inpatient rehab center and outpatient therapy.