Gambling has been associated with a range of harms including financial stress, relationship breakdown, family violence and mental illness. These impacts can be widespread and persist throughout a person’s life and across generations. People who gamble may also experience difficulties with work or school, resulting in declining performance and/or poor grades. In addition, gambling can divert money away from essential living expenses, potentially leaving individuals with food insecurity, eviction or debt.
This article explores the state of knowledge about risk and protective factors for online gambling among adults. A literature search of PubMed, PsychInfo and Scopus was conducted to identify studies reporting on factors that influence gambling behaviour. The selected articles analyzed and compared variables at the individual (risk) and relational (protective) levels and provided comparisons between online nonproblematic and online problem gambling.
A number of factors influence the prevalence and intensity of online gambling. These include: easy accessibility (including disproportionately high uptake in areas of disadvantage), promotion and commercialization through sponsorship or other association with popular sports leagues, colocation of products in social contexts, and aggressive messaging in both advertising and social media. People who are struggling with addiction to online gambling can find help and recover through therapy, support groups like Gamblers Anonymous, and financial counseling.
Financial counseling can help individuals develop strategies to rebuild their finances and create budgets for responsible spending. It can also help them recognize their triggers and address negative emotions such as stress, boredom, or loneliness.
