The Risks and Consequences of Online Gambling

Online Gambling is the process of placing bets on games of chance or skill for money using a computer or mobile device. The gambling industry is regulated in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe. However, there are still significant risks and consequences of Online Gambling, including addiction, financial loss, fraud, and social isolation.

Problem gambling can also lead to isolation and strained relationships with family members and friends. People who are addicted to gambling may prioritize their online activities over spending time with loved ones, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and betrayal. They may also become secretive about their gambling behavior, which can further erode their relationships with loved ones.

Another warning sign of gambling problems is neglecting responsibilities. People who are addicted to gambling might start ignoring important tasks, such as work or school obligations, or may skip out on social engagements. This can have serious consequences for their professional or academic performance, as well as their personal health and wellbeing.

Although research on online gambling has grown substantially, there is still little knowledge about the risk and protective factors associated with this activity. To explore current knowledge about the topic, this study conducted a systematic literature search in three different academic databases: PubMed, PsychInfo, and Scopus. The search terms were “online gambling” combined with (gamblers OR gamblers OR betting) and (risk factors OR protective factors OR predictors OR correlates). Only peer-reviewed articles were included in the final database.