Whether gambling on blackjack, horse racing betting or bingo games, online gambling is accessible at all hours of the day and night. This ease of access can lead to addiction and financial ruin if not controlled properly.
Recognizing a gambling problem is the first step towards recovery. You can strengthen your support network, remove gambling apps from your phone and computer, and reduce your access to money by closing gambling accounts.
Legality
Online gambling has exploded in popularity due to its convenience. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar casinos, which require travel and time commitments, online gambling can be accessed from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection. It is also possible to gamble without revealing one’s identity, making it easier for vulnerable people to engage in addictive behavior.
The legality of gambling online varies from state to state. Some states have outright bans on iGaming, while others regulate it. New Jersey, for example, has a strong regulatory framework and is considered an iGaming leader.
While some critics argue that gambling promotes political corruption and compulsive behaviors, other advocates say it is a form of indirect taxation on the citizens of the state. This is because gambling revenues are often used to fund local services, such as public education. In addition, online gambling can increase the profitability of traditional casino games and other forms of gaming. This is especially true if the games are offered in multiple jurisdictions.
Convenience
Online gambling offers the convenience of instant access from anywhere at any time, eliminating the need for physical casinos. The availability of mobile apps also enables people to gamble on the go, even in places where casinos are not legal. This convenience has boosted the popularity of gambling online.
In addition, faster Internet speeds have made it easier to gamble using smartphones and other devices. Moreover, the ease of depositing and withdrawing money has reduced the time it takes to bet. This has made it easy for individuals to lose large amounts of money and increase their gambling habits.
This is particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups, such as emerging adults and adolescents. Industries are increasingly targeting these groups by framing their gambling products as “sweepstakes.” This enables them to circumvent age restrictions and attract younger gamblers. This is a serious concern that requires a public health strategy. This will include awareness campaigns and improved consumer protection tools.
Social aspect
While there is a wealth of gambling research focused on individual behaviour and addiction, there is a smaller but growing corpus that considers the wider socio-cultural and regulatory context that shapes and influences gambling-related harm. In particular, the concept of social practices provides a useful framework to explore this nexus. Social practice theorists suggest that various forces, including affect (e.g. pleasure or anxiety), common understandings, and ideology (e.g. market ideology and neoliberalism) suffuse a nexus of related practices.
Online communities provide gamblers and gamers virtual spaces to fulfill a fundamental need to belong and form social ties. They often utilize mutual discussion forums and can include in-game interactive tools, such as chat features or video games. Moreover, some gambling communities are specifically for people with gambling problems, providing a safe space for them to discuss their gambling habits and seek support (Jarvinen-Tassopoulos 2016). These factors contribute to a sense of belonging, which can impact gambling and gaming behaviours.
Technology
Technology plays an important role in online gambling, from the encryption technologies that safeguard player data to the blockchain smart contracts that automate processes like payments and bonus releases. These innovations make the experience safer and more convenient for players, while also reducing costs for casino operators.
Other technological advancements have made online gaming more immersive and accessible. For example, fingerprint logins enable users to access games on their digital devices without needing to install software or purchase hardware. This makes it possible to gamble from anywhere in the world, even in countries where gambling is outlawed.
However, these technologies could also increase the risk of addiction. For instance, the ability to easily find new games and betting options can lead to an endless pursuit of wins, which may exacerbate mental health issues like anxiety or depression. To avoid this, casinos must use these technologies with careful consideration and strict regulatory frameworks. They must also provide responsible gambling tools to help players manage their spending habits.
