Online Gambling is gambling conducted on a computer or mobile device via an internet connection. It can take many forms from betting on horse racing and sports to casino games, pokies and poker. Online gambling is growing in popularity and has developed into a regulated industry that is worth billions of dollars. Online gamblers can be found all over the world and in all ages, genders and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Like other types of addiction, problems with online gambling can disrupt relationships and cause financial and emotional stress. People with online gambling disorder may feel a strong urge to keep playing and spend more money, even when they are in financial trouble. They might not be able to stop or control their behaviour, and might experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to cut back. In addition, the secrecy and dishonesty associated with gambling can break down trust in relationships and cause conflict with friends and family.
In the United States, attempts to pass federal legislation on online gambling have failed, leaving a complex regulatory environment where licensing, operational compliance and permissible types of gambling vary across states. Despite this, online gambling is becoming increasingly popular and is expected to reach a value of $145.6 billion by 2030.
A number of studies have evaluated the prevalence of problematic online gambling in adolescents, but there are still some gaps in knowledge. Firstly, there is significant variability in the psychometric instruments used to assess online gambling disorder. Some studies have assessed the disorder using diagnostic instruments that adhere to the APA’s DSM-5 or ICD-11, while others have used screening tools as part of their assessment process (e.g. the Online Gambling Disorder Questionnaire – OGD-Q).