Online Gambling is the practice of placing wagers on games of chance through internet-connected devices. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar casinos, which require patrons to travel to a physical location to place their bets, online gambling websites allow users to access games from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. This accessibility has made online gambling more popular than ever. Despite its popularity, there are a number of potential issues associated with online gambling, including addiction.

A number of factors can contribute to an individual’s susceptibility to online gambling addiction, including genetic predisposition and environmental influences. In addition, people with certain personality traits are more likely to become addicted to online gambling. According to a 2017 study titled, “Genetic and Environmental Influences on Gambling Behavior: A Meta-Analysis of Twin Studies,” people with higher levels of neuroticism and lower levels of conscientiousness are more likely to experience problems with gambling.

An individual’s risk for developing an online gambling addiction can also be increased by their exposure to online advertising and social media. These sources of temptation can make it difficult for individuals to fully remove gambling from their lives, even if they have implemented self-exclusion tools. In addition, spending time with friends and family who gamble can be a trigger for some individuals.

In addition to financial losses and debts, gambling addiction can have serious consequences on a person’s quality of life. Poor sleep, irregular eating patterns, and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to health problems. Moreover, the lack of time spent with loved ones can cause relationships to deteriorate.