Online Gambling Risk Factors and Protective Factors

Online Gambling is the act of placing a wager or bet on various games or events via the Internet. This includes sports betting, casino games, and more. This form of gambling is incredibly popular, and many people find it to be a rewarding activity that can make them money. However, it is important to understand the risks associated with this type of gambling. This article will explore some of the common risks associated with online gambling, as well as how to identify a problem and seek treatment.

This systematic review aims to investigate knowledge about risk factors and protective factors for online gambling in the adult population. A comprehensive search was conducted in three different academic databases: PubMed, PsychInfo, and Scopus using similar syntaxes. The searches were restricted to peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2020.

Results indicate that the main risk factor for online gambling is impulsivity. In addition, the early onset of gambling behaviour and family history are found to be related to online gambling. Moreover, the use of multiple gambling sites is associated with a higher likelihood of becoming a problem gambler. In addition, the study indicates that relational and life context factors such as loneliness, academic problems, and stress are associated with online gambling.

Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for online gambling addiction. Behavioral therapy helps individuals change patterns of behavior that perpetuate the addiction. It also teaches coping skills that can reduce the desire to gamble. In addition, medication can help manage underlying mental health conditions that contribute to the gambling addiction.