Online Gambling is the process of placing real-money wagers via an internet-enabled computer or mobile device. It includes activities such as casino games, sports betting, poker, fantasy sports, and lottery-style games. Online gambling can be addictive, and it can cause financial losses. It is important to seek treatment for addiction to online gambling.

Many people who suffer from an addiction to online gambling have coexisting mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. These conditions may be exacerbated by the stress of daily life and can lead to self-destructive behaviors, such as online gambling.

The proliferation of internet access has increased the availability and convenience of gambling, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. However, the online environment can intensify gambling addiction because it is difficult to monitor behavior and it is easier for individuals to hide their involvement. Furthermore, it is difficult for friends and family to recognize problem behavior in an online setting.

While most people who gamble online do so responsibly, some can develop a serious addiction to the games they play. This can lead to serious financial problems, including bankruptcy and debt. In addition, the addictive nature of online gambling makes it difficult to stop gambling even when you’re losing money.

Fortunately, there are many effective treatments for addiction to online gambling. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a highly effective individual or group treatment that teaches relapse prevention and helps address underlying psychological issues. Other psychotherapy methods include motivational interviewing, which focuses on helping patients commit to change and work through ambivalence in an empathic and supportive way.