Online gambling is the process of betting on games of chance or skill for money, using a computer, smartphone, tablet, or other device with an Internet connection. Its widespread adoption has been driven by a combination of technological advances, regulatory advancements, and consumer demand.
The main types of online gambling are lottery, slot machines, sports betting, and animal betting. Research has indicated that certain personality traits elevate the likelihood of developing a problem with online gambling. A 2023 study titled, “Association between problem gambling and personality factors” published in Frontiers in Psychology found that individuals with high levels of neuroticism and low levels of conscientiousness and agreeableness are at greater risk of developing an online gambling addiction.
Gambling-related problems are similar to other substance and behavioral addictions in that they often disrupt family, romantic, and work relationships and cause feelings of withdrawal when attempts to cut back on gambling are made. They can also lead to poor sleep and a sedentary lifestyle, which has been linked to chronic conditions like heart disease and hypertension. Finally, financial losses and debt are common outcomes of gambling-related problems. Individuals may spend more money than they can afford to sustain their habit, leading them to borrow or max out credit cards in an attempt to recover their losses.
The majority of online gamblers have at least one account, with a mean number of accounts per person of 3.2. Younger individuals tend to hold more accounts than older adults. One in five online gamblers have gambled outside of their home, with the most frequent locations being at work and while commuting.