The restaurant industry sees $780 billion in annual sales – this number is staggering in comparison to the $2 billion a land-based casino makes. While everyone eats, a large percentage of that is in a restaurant. One person’s meal might cost a restaurant $1000, but an average online gambler could spend more than $1000 per year. So how much do you think online gambling is worth? Let’s take a look.

Legality

Despite false reports, legality of online gambling in the United States is not at risk. Federal laws do not restrict the activities of online casinos. In fact, many states now allow the online casinos to operate terrestrially. However, they must be linked to existing land-based casinos. Legality concerns over gambling may stem from moral or religious objections or addiction concerns. Regardless, online casinos offer a variety of gambling options that are available to the average person.

Although there is no international law that governs online gambling, many countries have legalized it in some way. Although online gambling is legal in many states, some provinces in Canada, most of the European Union, and a few Caribbean nations have legalized it. While there are no federal laws prohibiting online gambling, Canada’s legislation does restrict its use by citizens of many countries. For example, while it is illegal for companies to operate in the US without a license, it is not illegal for Canadian residents to gamble on an offshore site.

Impact on problem gamblers

In addition to examining the effects of Internet gambling, researchers should also determine whether there are specific risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing a problem with gambling. The existing research on the topic has failed to establish whether problem gamblers are more susceptible to online gambling than offline gamblers. In addition, these studies do not differentiate between different types of online gambling, so it is not possible to identify which is most problematic.

The Gordon Moody Association offers counselling, educational resources, and intensive residential treatment for problem gamblers. Gamstop, an online tool for limiting one’s gambling, is available for free. The BBC Action Line provides support and information, and Newsbeat has audio and video content for gamblers. These organizations are available on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Further information can be found at www.gambling.org.

Sources of problem gambling

Although there are many sources of problem gambling, there is a greater risk for the occurrence of this behavior among people who regularly participate in a single gambling format. The frequency of gambling and the amount of money wagered were both used as proxy measures for intensity. Furthermore, the frequency of gambling was related to the amount of time a person spent on it. In addition, the frequency of gambling was positively associated with the number of forms of gambling, with involvement being a stronger predictor.

Several population studies have examined the connection between casino games and the incidence of problem gambling. One study conducted by Grant and Kim examined 78 pathological gamblers in the United States and found that slot machines, blackjack, and EGMs were the most popular types of gambling. Another study by Stea, Hodgins, and Fung found that casino games and video lottery terminals were associated with the highest incidences of problem gambling.

Methods of problem gambling treatment

A number of screening tools are available for the evaluation of potential problem gambling. Psychoanalytic and behavioral therapy are recommended for people with problem gambling. They are both based on the belief that all human behavior has a meaning and that even self-destructive behaviors may serve an adaptive purpose. A common symptom of problem gambling is an urge to gamble or a desire to win money. In addition to gambling-related financial losses, there are emotional and social effects. A typical ‘problem gambler’ will also have negative effects on four to six other people.

These methods of problem gambling treatment for online gambling involve creating a permanent commitment to stop gambling. Increasingly, this commitment is made difficult, as it is easier to access gambling online than ever before. In addition to making an ongoing commitment to quit gambling, problem gamblers must surround themselves with people who are accountable and avoid environments that encourage temptation. The person must also give up control of their finances and find healthy substitutes for gambling.