What is Online Gambling?

Online Gambling is a form of gambling where players wager money or other value on a game of chance for the opportunity to win a prize. This includes putting money on a horse to win a race or to place bets on a game of chance such as a lottery or an event such as a football match. It also includes betting on a casino game such as poker, roulette or slots. It is illegal in most states to gamble with real money but there are a number of websites that offer simulated games and winnings can be withdrawn from these accounts.

The growth of online gambling has reshaped gambling behaviour, with evidence indicating that people who play on the Internet are at greater risk for developing problem gambling than those who do not. However, it is difficult to identify a single, unmistakable indicator for problems, and further research on the interaction between different indicators is needed to understand how people may transition from other forms of gambling to Internet gambling. It is also important to study Internet gambling behaviour over time to understand how it changes.

In addition, it is critical that trusted adults help to educate children and young people about online gambling, what forms it can take, and how to respond if they suspect someone is at risk of forming an unhealthy habit. This webinar is presented by broadcaster and online safety advocate Myleene Klass in collaboration with our expert Heather Cardwell, a practising online safety lead who is CE-OP trained.