Online Gambling is an activity where individuals can wager money on games of chance and skill using a computer or mobile device. It is accessible anywhere with an internet connection and has become very popular due to the convenience it provides to gamblers. The availability of a wide range of gambling options has also contributed to the popularity of this activity. Online gambling is usually done through websites and apps that allow players to remain anonymous and protect their personal information through privacy policies.

People with certain mental health problems are at greater risk of developing an addiction to online gambling. Researcher Sally M. Gainsbury writes in Current Addiction Reports that online gambling is often used as a way to cope with daily life stresses and may exacerbate existing mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Compulsive gambling can cause individuals to neglect their responsibilities, lie to family and friends, and become irritable and restless. It can also lead to reckless behavior and excessive spending, which can result in financial hardship.

Individuals who have a problem with online gambling can seek help from a counselor or support group. A therapist will use cognitive-behavioral therapy to help a patient change their thinking patterns and behaviors that contribute to their gambling addiction. They will also utilize motivational interviewing to encourage patients to commit to recovery and work through their ambivalence. This treatment method has been shown to be effective in relapse prevention and treating online gambling addiction.