Online gambling is the activity of placing wagers on games and events via the Internet. This activity has grown in popularity in recent years, mainly due to the convenience and accessibility offered by the use of online gambling websites and mobile apps. The technology behind these services has changed the way we gamble and has expanded the reach of the gambling industry. But there are still concerns over the potential for gambling-related harms.

The availability of gambling activities online also makes it harder to monitor or regulate gambling habits, especially compared with physical casino visits that may be observed by friends and family members. This can lead to online gambling going undetected, which may contribute to compulsive behavior and increased addiction risk.

Gambling on the Internet is a rapidly expanding market, offering a variety of gaming options to gamblers from all over the world. Several countries have already legalized the practice of online gambling, and many others are considering it. But it is important to remember that there are risks associated with any form of gambling. The following tips can help protect yourself from cybercrime and other hazards of gambling online:

Using a reputable site with SSL encryption to secure your connection is essential when playing online. This is a standard for web security that ensures all data sent and received between you and the gambling website is encrypted. This prevents hackers from intercepting your information or accessing your account.

Another thing to watch out for is the terms and conditions of a gambling website. Some sites require players to wager a certain amount of money before they can withdraw any bonus funds. This is referred to as the rollover requirement and it is often a multiple of the total value of the bonus. This is an attempt by casinos to prevent players from taking advantage of the bonuses.

Other things to look out for include phishing scams that try to steal personal information, including passwords and dates of birth. It is also important to report any unauthorized transactions immediately to the gambling site’s customer support department. It is also advisable to keep an eye on your bank statement and to regularly check your gambling accounts.

If you have concerns about your own gambling behaviour, GamCare have a free online assessment tool that can help. The assessment is confidential and will ask you a series of questions about your gambling habits and advise you on what steps to take next. You can find out more by clicking here.