Online Gambling involves betting money or other value on events of chance, in exchange for the opportunity to win a prize of some kind. It is a form of gambling that can be undertaken via the internet, and in many jurisdictions it is legal to do so.

It is a fast-growing sector of the gaming industry, with an estimated global market size of USD 9.6 billion in 2022. While it is considered to be more convenient and accessible than traditional forms of gambling, it has its own unique risks. Moreover, players of online games are at an increased risk of fraudulent activities.

In the 1990s as the World Wide Web was gaining popularity, online casinos began to appear. These websites provided a virtual end-run around laws prohibiting gambling and allowed anyone to make wagers using a credit card. This prompted concern over the implications for US law and the desirability of new regulation.

The emergence of online gambling has also encouraged the development of software to manage customer accounts, facilitate payments and prevent fraud. This technology is now widely available and is used by a range of online gambling sites, including the largest operators.

While it is important to note that people can gamble safely and responsibly, many develop an addiction to the activity. As with other addictions, there are warning signs to look out for. Trusted adults should help children and young people understand what gambling is, and how it can take different forms, so that they are able to recognise an unhealthy addiction and seek help.