This is a type of gambling, conducted through the internet. This can include virtual poker, casinos, sports betting, bingo and lotteries. It is also one of the fastest growing online category, with as many as 10 million U.S. users and a net worth of approximately $ 40 million.
Although many countries have declared internet gambling as illegal, it is still legal in some states of United States of America, some provinces of Canada, most of the countries of European Union and some nations of the Caribbean.
How Does Online Gambling Affects Today’s Youth?
Nowadays, gambling is on the rise among the youth. The main reasons as to why they start gambling can be: –
- Peer pressure
- The glamour surrounding it
- To bring in money, and
- To relieve feelings of boredom and depression.
What Role Does Covid – 19 Play in Internet Gambling?
Internet Gambling at ufa particularly gained more recognition during the pandemic, especially during lockdown. A study revealed that during lockdown men were three times more likely than women to gamble on a regular basis. During lockdown, people have also started relying more and more on alcohol to cope with their troubles and have also started gambling quite regularly. Binge drinking and gambling have impacted people badly, both socially and emotionally.
Having more free time in their hands, people are now addicted to internet, more than ever. With the increasing number of online channels for gambling, people are becoming more addicted to the “glamour” of online gambling. This impacts their mental health in a very negative way.
Online Gambling and Its Effect on Mental Health
When gambling turns addictive, it can lead to various mental health conditions. When people start gambling compulsively, it turns into compulsive gambling. If this condition prevails for a long time, it can lead to chronic stress disorder which, in turn, can also lead to various physical conditions like sudden weight changes and hypertension. Addictive gamblers are also more prone to depression and anxiety disorders.
Degradation of mental health can also lead to strain relationship between the gambler and his/her family members and friends. They may also start to isolate themselves which further degrades their mental health and can also lead to suicide.
At the end of the day, online gambling is just a fraud with a glamorous cover. People, who are addictive gamblers, should be treated with care and should not be left on their own to suffer alone. Addictive gambling should be seen as what it is, an addiction, and the sufferer should be treated by a professional as soon as possible.
