Online Gambling is a digital activity where real money is used to bet on games of chance through the internet or mobile devices. Its rapid growth in popularity is largely due to increased accessibility and convenience, with many people now gambling on sports, bingo, poker, betting and more from the comfort of their own homes. However, there are several risks associated with this type of gambling, including poor payouts, cybercrime and addiction. If you have a problem with online gambling, support is available via GamCare, details at the bottom of this article.
There is considerable heterogeneity across the studies included in this review in terms of study samples, measurement instruments, cut-off points and criteria applied. Moreover, few studies have been designed specifically to assess online gambling disorder using diagnostic instruments that are grounded in APA or WHO (DSM-5 and ICD-11) clinical ‘gold standard’ criteria.
Despite the excitement and thrill of winning, there are some significant financial risks involved in online gambling. Uncontrolled spending can result in mounting debt, which may lead to bankruptcy and serious financial hardships. Additionally, chasing losses can further compound financial detriment. As a result, individuals should take steps to ensure their finances are protected by setting limits and playing responsibly.
There are also a number of emotional and psychological implications of online gambling that can impact a person’s mental health. Individuals should prioritize their mental health and seek help from a therapist or addiction treatment center if necessary. Behavioral therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), has proven to be effective in treating online gambling addiction and can assist individuals in developing coping strategies.