Online Gambling is legal in many states, but not all of them. Luckily, there are a number of organizations and programs that offer help for people struggling with online gambling addiction. These organizations and programs often offer referral services to local programs that can help you overcome your problem. In addition, you can also ask your doctor for help. You can also perform an Internet search using the words “Internet Gambling addiction help” and the name of your state or city. There are also local listings of groups like Gamblers Anonymous.

The National Institute of Health and Human Development’s Adolescent Health Study found that more than half of the 16 million American youths with gambling addictions are under the age of 18. While gambling can boost youth self-image, losing money can result in a rapid drop in self-esteem. It can also lead to financial anxiety and depression, causing teenagers to engage in riskier behavior. Many of them may even resort to stealing or selling their possessions to fund their gambling habit.

While online gambling is legal at the federal level, individual states can enact legislation to regulate the activity. For example, New Jersey allows sports wagering and casino games, while Connecticut allows online poker and casinos. These sites offer free games, and deposit options allow people to play games for real money.