Online gambling involves betting on sporting events, casino games, poker and pokies through websites and mobile apps. Users can deposit money and withdraw winnings easily by using a credit or debit card. These websites often use random number generators (RNGs) to produce the results of a game. Players can also bet virtual coins or real cash. The games are available around the clock and can be played in a variety of languages. Online casinos offer bonuses to attract new customers. They usually provide a welcome bonus, which is a percentage of the amount deposited by the player.
There is an urgent need to regulate online gambling as it is a growing phenomenon that affects the wellbeing of individuals and societies. It is facilitated by digital technologies and can lead to financial problems, emotional distress, decline in work or academic performance, health issues and relationship conflicts. In addition, it can lead to social isolation and increase risk of suicide. Harms from online gambling occur well below clinical thresholds and can have a major impact on people’s lives.
The aim of this article is to synthesise the literature on the risk and protective factors of Online Gambling in the adult population. The literature review was conducted using the PICO framework: Population Intervention Comparison Outcome. The selected articles were based on research on online gambling in adults and focused on different variables that influence the behavior of the gambler. Despite the heterogeneity of the studies, several critical elements emerge. For example, there is a need for further investigation of the role of variables acting at the contextual level. In particular, the university context appears to be an important factor.