Article how gambling works 0
Series: How Gambling Works

Learn about online gambling

5 min read

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Do you want to learn more about online gambling?

If you’re worried that you might be gambling too much online or if you’re thinking about gambling online for the first time, it’s a good idea to obtain accurate information about how online gambling works. This can help you understand the risks associated with online gambling. This information can help you figure out how to protect yourself while you’re gambling online and what steps to take if you decide to change your gambling.

Do you want to learn more about online gambling?

If you’re concerned about a family member or friend’s online gambling, an important first step is to obtain accurate information about how online gambling works. This can help you understand the risks associated with online gambling. This information can help you understand how they could protect themselves while they’re gambling online and how to best support them if they decide they are ready to seek support.

Do you want to learn more about online gambling?

If you’re concerned about the online gambling of someone you’re working with, an important first step is to obtain accurate information about how online gambling works. You can use this information to educate the person you’re working with about the risks of online gambling and how they can protect themselves while they’re gambling online. Knowing how online gambling works will also help you to decide on the best approach to provide support to them.

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.

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.

Why is online gambling risky?

Online gambling can be quite risky. There are many reasons why it can be very easy for people to lose more money than they can afford when they’re gambling online. It’s important to be aware of these risks to avoid any negative consequences.

Increased opportunities to gamble.

Gambling is everywhere. Gambling is becoming more accessible because of smartphones, tablets, and the increasing number of gambling websites and apps. This makes it very easy for people to gamble anywhere and at any time. The average online gambler has five gambling apps on their phone, which like having gambling venues in their pocket. It’s important to understand the risks of having such easy access to gambling 24/7 without some of the safety measures that are available at traditional gambling outlets.

Increased convenience.

Online gambling is very convenient and easy to use. Setting up an account for online sports or race betting is quick and simple, which means it takes very little time to get started. Once people have created an account, they can easily deposit funds and start playing. This means there’s not much time for people to think about their decisions, leading them to spend more money and time than they intended.

Increased anonymity.

Gambling online can feel anonymous because it can be done in private or without other people knowing. People can gamble online without their friends or family realising what they are doing.

Use of linked accounts.

No cash changes hands during online gambling. Instead, people use credit or debit cards, which can make it feel like they’re not gambling with real money. This can make it easy to lose track of how much they’ve won or lost.

Gambling alone.

When people gamble online, they often do it by themselves, which can make it easier for them to lose track of the money and time they spend gambling. Since there’s no one else around, it can be challenging to know when to stop, slow down or take a break.

Use of practice sites.

Some online gambling sites offer free games that allow people to “practice” before playing with real money. These free games usually have higher chances of winning than games that use real money. This can make winning seem easy, which encourages people to play the real money games. It’s important to remember that games that use real money don’t have the same odds as the free games.

Advertising and marketing.

Gambling websites and apps track everything players do, including how often they gamble, how much they spend, and how their gambling patterns change. They can then use this information to effectively market gambling to them by sending personalised ads, offers, bonuses and promotions. These are deliberately designed to draw players back to the websites or apps to gamble and entice them to keep playing.

Use of overseas services.

Some online gambling services are based in other countries and are not regulated in Australia, which means they may not follow the same rules and safety measures as Australian gambling services. People who have used these offshore services have reported issues with not receiving their winnings, sites being closed without warning, and money being taken out of their accounts without permission. It’s important for players to stick with legal, licenced Australian gambling services to ensure their safety and protection.

“I thought it was ok if I gambled with free credits, as I wasn’t really spending anything. I started to win big playing free online casino games and convinced myself that spending a few of my own dollars would be ok! I soon got hooked back into gambling but this time it was online. I had avoided the hotels for several months and was so pleased with myself. It’s so hard to resist the temptation to gamble when it’s on my phone and computer at work and home.” – Mike, Gambling Helpline caller

To find out how to better protect yourself while gambling online, check out Online Protection For Gambling.

Do you want more help?

To learn more about your online gambling, you can start an online chat with us or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 – free, confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These services are available to support anyone affected by gambling harm, including family members or friends.

To find out how to better protect your family member or friend while they are gambling online, check out Online Protection For Gambling.

Do you want more help?

To learn more about online gambling, you or your family member or friend can start an online chat with us or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 – free, confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

These services are available to support anyone affected by gambling harm, including family members or friends like you. It’s not only the person who gambles that can be affected, but the people close to them too. It’s important to take care of yourself when you’re supporting someone else. Check out the family and friends section in our peer support community to connect with people who understand.

To find out how to better protect people while they are gambling online, check out Online Protection For Gambling.

Do you want more help?

To learn more about online gambling, you or the person you’re working with can start an online chat with us or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 – free, confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

These services are available to support anyone affected by gambling harm, including family members, friends, and professionals like you. It can be hard for professionals to support people with gambling issues. To learn more about how you can help, go to our section on How Professionals Can Help.

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