Online Gambling is the practice of placing bets on sporting events and other outcomes through websites operated by bookmakers and betting exchanges. This form of gambling is available worldwide and can be done from a computer or mobile device with an internet connection. Online gambling is also referred to as e-gambling or virtual betting.

Many countries regulate or ban the activity, but in some places it is legal. To ensure that your personal information is protected, only gamble with sites that use HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) security, which encrypts your data so that only the intended recipient can decipher it. It is also a good idea to check that the gambling website accepts your preferred method of payment before you deposit. Some credit cards explicitly list gambling as an acceptable charge, while others will only allow you to make a bet if the amount is pre-approved and paid to your bank account in advance.

Research suggests that the psychological factors that contribute to gambling problems include the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, and variable reinforcement, where small rewards can be triggered randomly. These factors may be exacerbated when gambling is done online because of the low barriers to entry, which can lead to compulsive behaviour. However, further research is needed to determine whether these factors are specific to the online environment or if they apply more broadly to all types of gambling. Some studies suggest that early identification of risk indicators can reduce gambling-related harms sustained by individuals.