What is Online Gambling?

Online Gambling is the use of Internet-connected computers, tablets or mobile phones to place bets on games and other events. This can be done either against the house (e.g. casino) or against other players. To gamble online, you need three things: a computer or mobile phone with a web browser, money and an internet connection.

The growth of online gambling has coincided with a rise in the incidence of gambling-related harms. This is attributed to factors including easy accessibility and normalization of gambling products; people experiencing life stressors may be at increased risk, and the diversion of funds from essential spending can result in food insecurity, housing problems or difficulties accessing healthcare and education. Heavy promotion of gambling through sport and social media also increases the likelihood of uptake.

Unlike traditional casinos, which require face-to-face interactions, online platforms allow gamblers to wager with minimal personal information and can conceal illicit funds by using fake identities or cryptocurrencies. To mitigate financial crime risks, it is important to understand what red flags are visible in online gambling transactions and identify early indicators of problem behavior.

However, single, unmistakable indicators of gambling problems are rare, and the identification of risk is usually based on algorithms that detect interaction between multiple variables. Further research is needed to understand the interaction between different game characteristics and their impact on problem behaviors, and how online gaming can differ from offline gambling. Longitudinal research on a wide range of gambling sites and players will help inform this.