Online gambling – games such as online casinos, sports betting and poker sites – is an increasingly popular activity. It can be fun and exciting, but it can also have serious consequences if not managed carefully. Problem gambling can damage relationships, lead to debt and even suicide. This is why it’s important to take a step back and consider how online gambling fits into your life.
In the past decade, online gambling has grown rapidly. It’s not surprising since online gambling is convenient, anonymous and offers a wide variety of games.
People who gamble online may do so at home, while commuting or while on holiday. Generally, there has been little change in the percentage of people who say they have gambled at work or while on a mobile phone or tablet. In 2020, the average number of online gambling accounts has remained steady at three per person.
Despite the popularity of online gambling, there are many ways to minimize harms and prevent addiction. Prevention includes limiting advertising and promotions, universal pre-commitment (requiring that people who gamble sign up to binding limits of time and money spent on gambling) and self-exclusion. Universal systems are more effective than voluntary ones. Prevention strategies are important, as they are often more cost-effective than treatment approaches.
Few articles investigated risk and protective factors at the population level. However, those that did report findings at this level found that the majority of online nonproblematic and problematic gamblers are characterized by low degrees of sociability and higher levels of frugality.