Online gambling is a form of gambling. I am not sure what you meant by real gambling. As far as I am concerned, real gambling is the act of risking your money on an odd that you are aware of and potentially making a profit.
If thats the definition of gambling, then online gambling is indeed real gambling.
Gambling is always taking act of risking your money why not to risk if theres an big chance to win big prizes? If you're really concerned of your money then why risking them if you can save it for your needs?