In the past 15 years, internet gambling has transformed the way people engage in wagering. It offers rapid feedback, and ease of access to a wide array of betting options. There are many positives and negatives to online gambling. The positives include better value for money, easier accessibility, and the ability to place larger bets. However, it also offers potential for abuse and harm.
Online gambling has been linked to problem gambling and excessive gambling. While some claim that the Internet’s advantages outweigh its disadvantages, there is still little empirical data to support such claims.
Nevertheless, there have been a number of recent developments in research on Internet gambling and problem gambling. This paper provides a brief overview of some of the most significant findings to date.
Most longitudinal studies of Internet gambling have been too short to produce meaningful conclusions. Longitudinal studies can also address more fundamental questions about the connection between Internet gambling and problem gambling. For example, how can a gambler’s use of the Internet integrate with his or her offline gambling activities?
Although the prevalence of Internet gambling is low, its growth is expected to continue. Moreover, many jurisdictions are beginning to recognize the benefits of regulation. These measures have the potential to increase consumer protection, generate taxation revenue, and enhance consumer protection.
A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify the most relevant trends and findings. One notable discovery was that the presence of a virtual reality interface may contribute to the incidence of disordered gambling.