Online Gambling is a $9.5 billion per year industry that includes casinos, sports betting sites, poker rooms, fantasy sports games, and state lotteries. It can be fun and exciting, but for some people, gambling can become problematic, just like alcohol or drugs. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association classifies gambling disorder among other substance-related problems.

Neglecting responsibilities: Individuals addicted to gambling often neglect their work, school, or family responsibilities to engage in online gambling activities. They may miss deadlines, skip appointments or social engagements, and even go into debt to fund their habit. This can be very damaging to a person’s relationships and personal well-being.

Identifying triggers: Individuals can overcome their addiction to online gambling by identifying the things that lead them to gamble excessively. Common triggers include feelings of stress, boredom, or loneliness. By identifying these triggers, individuals can learn healthy coping mechanisms such as exercising, practicing a hobby, or spending time with friends and family.

Health deterioration: A lack of sleep and poor eating habits due to long hours spent gambling can contribute to a variety of health issues including heart disease, hypertension, and gastrointestinal disorders. In addition, many people who are addicted to online gambling experience anxiety symptoms, which can also negatively impact mental health.

Fraud and scams: Because online gambling is so popular, some dishonest operators take advantage of unsuspecting individuals. They may create fake websites or apps to steal financial information, rig games, or otherwise manipulate the outcome of transactions. Individuals can protect themselves by using reputable gaming platforms with secure payment options.