Online Gambling is a digital activity where real money is placed on games of chance via the internet. Unlike traditional high street and coupon gambling, online gambling is typically carried out by private companies which operate under strict regulatory controls. These control systems are designed to ensure that the casino isn’t rigged and that all winnings are paid out, and the quality of the games is tested regularly by independent bodies. This is beneficial to players because it means that the casino is incentivised to create a fair game and not to try to profit from rigging it.
However, a number of problems may occur for people who gamble online. These include emotional stress, a decline in work or school performance and poor health. In addition, some individuals use illegal activities such as theft or fraud to fund their gambling, which can lead to legal consequences such as fines or jail time.
Despite the prevalence of online gambling, few studies have investigated its potential for psychological harms or sought to identify risk factors. This article aims to address this gap by reviewing the existing research and discussing potential implications for future work in the field.