Online Gambling involves playing games such as poker, bingo and sports betting on a computer or mobile phone. The popularity of these activities has grown dramatically in recent years due to the convenience offered by online platforms. The ease of access and the anonymity that come with online gambling can intensify the addictive nature of these activities, resulting in severe consequences for an individual’s mental health and relationships as well as financial stability.

While some people have a healthy relationship with online gambling, others can become addicted to the activity and suffer from negative effects such as loss of control, denial, depression and withdrawal. Some signs of online gambling addiction include neglecting responsibilities, lying to loved ones and chasing losses, even after significant financial setbacks. Additionally, the lack of face-to-face accountability makes it easier for individuals to hide their online gambling activities from family and friends.

While some jurisdictions prohibit online gambling, a number of countries have regulated it. In addition to allowing players to gamble for real money, regulated sites may also provide player protection services and support for problem gambling. These measures may include self-exclusion and deposit limits. Many regulated sites also require the use of strong passwords and two-factor authentication to protect personal information from hackers. Nonetheless, online gambling is still available in the United States, some provinces of Canada, most European Union countries, and several nations of the Caribbean. In addition, it is possible to gamble at unregulated websites that have not been licensed by a regulatory authority.