The Current State of Knowledge on the Risk and Protective Factors of Online Gambling

Online Gambling is a form of gambling in which participants play casino games on the internet, usually using a credit or debit card. This type of gambling is legal in some countries. It is important to understand the risks and benefits of this type of gambling before participating.

There are several risk factors associated with online gambling, including financial motivations, comorbidities, and psychological distress. In addition, the internet offers the opportunity to conceal gambling activity, which can lead to a greater likelihood of problem gambling. Pathological gambling develops when individuals become preoccupied with the pursuit of losses, which can worsen over time and lead to a loss of control of their behavior. The most common type of online gambling is slot machines, which involve spinning reels to line up matching symbols across the payline.

To assess the current state of knowledge on the risk and protective factors related to online gambling, a systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed and PsychInfo. The search was limited to articles in English. The results were analysed at the individual, relational, and contextual level.

Overall, the studies reviewed found a number of similarities and some differences in the variables investigated. For example, the majority of studies use nonrepresentative samples and cross-sectional designs. A number of critical elements also emerge, such as the need to conduct longitudinal research and the importance of assessing the impact of online gambling on different types of individuals, such as those with comorbidities or mental health problems.