Online Gambling refers to the activity of placing a bet over the internet, typically using a computer, smartphone or tablet. The activity usually involves a casino, sportsbook or bingo website and may include games of chance or skill. In many countries, the act of online gambling is legal if it meets certain regulations and conditions. In addition, most regulated gambling sites offer different types of casino games and betting options, including poker and video slots.
Despite a growing recognition that Internet gambling is associated with higher levels of gambling-related harm, few studies have been dedicated to investigating knowledge about risk and protective factors. To fill this gap, we compiled a systematic literature review by searching PubMed, PsychInfo and Scopus for articles related to gambling and online gambling, with both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Risk and protective factors were analysed at the individual, relational, and contextual levels.
We found 42 articles, and analysed them at the individual level for risk and protective factors and cross-sectionally for correlates. The results indicate that there is a need for more research on the impact of different modes of online gambling and how they interact with one another, as well as more work focused on understanding how the various risk and protective factors vary across socioanagraphic groups. In addition, it is important to recognise that the choice of gambling modality is likely to be influenced by relationships with other people and the perceived benefits and costs of the chosen mode of online gambling.