Prevalence of Online Gambling

Online Gambling is the activity of using a computer or mobile device to place wagers on gambling games. It is a rapidly growing industry, and the number of people who engage in it is increasing worldwide. Whether legal or not, online gambling can lead to harm, including financial loss, substance use disorders, relationship conflicts and family violence, health problems (e.g., insomnia), stress and depression, financial insecurity, and even suicide. In addition, gambling can contribute to social disintegration through theft and fraud, erosion of civil institutions through corruption and corporate political activity, and support for income-generating criminal activities such as money laundering.

A variety of factors influence the prevalence and nature of online gambling, including age, gender, socioeconomic status, and the availability of iGaming sites. In addition to mobile devices, many gambling websites are accessible via desktop and laptop computers.

Fraud in online gambling occurs when unsavory players use stolen personal information and other means to steal funds from unsuspecting gamblers. Fraudulent activity impacts an operator’s bottom line by resulting in chargebacks, lost bonuses, and time spent managing fraud. It also puts a strain on relationships with payment processors and may lead to bans that limit players’ deposit options.

While the prevalence of gambling is rising globally, some countries have been slower to introduce or regulate it. In the United States, New Jersey was an early adopter of legalized iGaming and established itself as a leader in the industry. Its regulatory environment is widely viewed as a model for other states to follow.