How does online gambling work?

Online gambling is when people use their smartphones, computers and other devices connected to the internet to gamble. They can use apps or websites to bet on almost every type of gambling that is available offline. These include lotteries, instant scratch tickets, race and sports betting, poker machines, keno, casino games, poker, bingo, and betting on events. Some newer forms of online gaming also have gambling components, like social casino games, skin gambling, loot box purchasing, fantasy sports, and e-sports gambling. You can learn more about these in the How Gaming Works section.

Gambling online on lotteries, racing, and sports on Australian sites is legal in Australia. These services are regulated under Australian law. Gambling websites or apps based overseas are not allowed to operate in Australia, but some do. Casino games, poker machines, and live sports betting are not legal in Australia, even if you can access them on overseas websites or apps. Although many of these sites have been blocked, many new sites continue to appear in Australia. Just because a gambling website or app is available in Australia doesn’t mean it’s legal in Australia.

How common is online gambling?

Online gambling is the fastest growing form of gambling. This was especially true during the COVID-19 lockdowns when gambling venues were closed and many major sporting events were cancelled. The Second National Study of Interactive Gambling in Australia found the number of people gambling online has more than doubled over the past eight years, with 18% of Australian adults now gambling online each year. This is nearly one-third of all gamblers. Popular forms of online gambling include legal options such as online lotteries, race betting and sports betting. The Australian Gambling Statistics indicate that Australians now spend approximately $3.7 million per year on online gambling. Join Us Mostbet PL website

How risky is online gambling?

Online gambling is particularly popular among young men aged between 20 and 29 years old. People who gamble online tend to be more educated and in a de facto relationship compared to those who don’t gamble online. They also participate in a higher number of gambling activities. Online gamblers are two to three times more likely to develop serious issues with their gambling, be at-risk for developing issues with their gambling, and experience harms related to their gambling.