Online gambling is betting or wagering on games and events that are facilitated by an internet connection. It includes a wide range of activities including sports betting, casino games, poker, and lottery-like products. The online nature of these activities increases their accessibility and their impact on society. This has been facilitated by the proliferation of electronic devices (such as computers, mobile phones, and tablets), increasing internet speed and availability, and aggressive marketing by the gambling industry through sponsorship or other association with popular sporting leagues.
The literature search for this article included peer-reviewed articles on both risk and protective factors for online gambling in adult populations. The searches were restricted to studies published between 2010 and 2020 to capture the current state of knowledge about a phenomenon that is booming. The search was based on the PICO framework: population (P), intervention (I), and comparison outcome (O).
In terms of the population, there is a relatively homogeneous pattern across the research, indicating that online gambling is associated with similar factors as offline gambling. However, there are differences in terms of the socioanagraphic characteristics of online gamblers. This indicates that some aspects of gambling are specific to online gambling, and that these can be targeted with separate prevention interventions or included in general gambling prevention programs.
If you are considering gambling online, be sure to use a reputable gaming website with a license from a trusted regulatory body. These websites are secure and use SSL/TLS technology to protect your information from prying eyes.