The Harmful Effects of Online Gambling

info Feb 8, 2022

The Harmful Effects of Online Gambling

The number of people who participate in online gambling continues to rise. According to the Annenberg Adolescent Communication Institute, over 400,000 male youths participate in this activity at least once a week, and over 1.7 million participate at least once a month. The internet is the most convenient way for these young people to gamble. But with so many benefits, it can also be a source of addiction. To avoid becoming a victim of online gambling, learn more about the harmful effects of this activity.

The popularity of online gambling increased in the 1990s, and by 1998 there were about fifteen hundred sites. In 1998, a Frost & Sullivan report estimated that online gambling revenues were $800 million. That same year, the first online poker rooms were introduced, and the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act was introduced in the US Senate. The online gambling industry grew rapidly, and online betting became a major source of revenue for companies that could not compete with land-based casinos.

In addition to being accessible from anywhere, internet gambling can lead to addictive behaviors. Various types of gamblers can become emotionally and financially dependent on this activity. Other people may find this addiction extremely difficult to break because they are unable to manage their money and perform daily tasks. In some cases, this can lead to social withdrawal and depression. This situation can be very dangerous for anyone, and the best way to cope with it is to seek treatment and a supportive environment.