Online Gambling is any type of gambling that involves wagering using the internet. This includes sports betting, online casinos, and virtual poker. Unlike traditional gambling, it is largely automated and does not require the physical presence of the bettors. In addition, Internet gambling provides a number of advantages over land-based gambling, including faster feedback and the ability to place large wagers.
Internet gambling has been associated with problem gambling, a condition where an individual gambles to an excessive degree. Problem gamblers are also more likely to engage in alcohol and drug use and to self-harm. Although some Internet problem gamblers attribute their problems to online gambling, there is no reliable evidence that online gambling causes problems.
Although the number of people with Internet gambling problems has increased in recent years, most studies have only surveyed a small subset of these gamblers. Moreover, most of the studies have been cross-sectional. However, there have been some longitudinal research projects. These studies were conducted to determine the extent to which Internet gambling participation predicts the severity of gambling problems.
Researchers found that most Internet gamblers are not problem gamblers, but they are at risk for problem gambling. About half of these gamblers report having problems before they started using the Internet. The survey showed that these gamblers had higher rates of alcohol use, drinking, and smoking than non-problem gamblers.
Researchers also found that the likelihood of involvement in Internet gambling was higher for problem gamblers than for non-problem gamblers. But this finding was not statistically significant.