Online, the gambling industry is growing rapidly and is available to most 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Casinos, Bookies and Bingo organisations have created platforms where you can play most of their games either on an app or on their website similar to the way you would in person. For some online gambling is a convenient way to put on the lottery, play a game of bingo or place a bet on their favourite football team. For others, online gambling can result in gambling-related harm. In 2016, the Responsible Gambling Council found young people who gambled online were more likely to experience gambling-related harm.  

 

What are the different types of gambling behaviours online?

• Online lottery tickets
• Online scratch cards
• Online betting
• Online bingo
• Online card games
• Online casino games

 

Microbetting

Microbetting also known as in-game betting is when you place bets on specific outcomes of a sporting match while the game is live. You can bet on things like who will score the next goal in football or who win the next hole in golf. Unlike more traditional types of betting, when you place a Microbet you are likely to find out the result within minutes and you can then can go onto place another bet while the game is on. Unlike other forms of betting, Microbetting encourages impulsive and continuous betting while watching live sporting matches. This is problematic as it can encourage players to spend more money and time on the activity than planned which can result in gambling-related harm.  To reduce the likelihood of spending more time and money on gambling than planned and to reduce gambling-related harm you could set yourself a limit on the amount of money you spend on the activity.

 

Online Slots

Online slots are one of the most popular casino games available on the internet or via apps. Online slots are made up of multiple reels which have different symbols in them. Players will deposit money to spin the reels and if you match the symbols you can win a jackpot. These games mimic slot and fruit machines commonly found in casinos, arcades or even pubs. Similarly to the slots found in the real world, online slots games feature bright colours, lights and sounds which can produce feelings of comfort or excitement for the player.  Online slot games are quick games and when you pair this with the bright lights, colours and sounds made by the game it can leave players vulnerable to losing track of time and spending more money than intended which can promote gambling-related harm. Like Microbetting, you could set yourself a limit on the amount of money and time you spend on the activity to reduce the likelihood of experiencing gambling-related harm

 

Esports

E Sports is an online video game competition which is shown on platforms such as Twitch for viewers to watch globally. E-sports are very similar to sporting events as they can be viewed online and large crowds gather in arenas to watch the players compete against one another. Like sporting matches, viewers have the opportunity to bet on various player outcomes using real money or digital currency such as Cryptocurrency. The outcomes that can be betted on include league outcomes, outcomes of individual rounds or even individual player scores. Games such as CS:GO, League of Legends, Counterstrike, Fortnite, Rocket League, Apex Legends and Efootball are available to watch globally. E-sports are becoming increasingly popular with young people and The Gambling Commission have found it to be the most popular online gambling activity for 11 to 16 year olds. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that E-sports betting carries the same risk as traditional betting and can result in gambling-related harm.