Online Gambling and Its Risks and Protective Factors

Online Gambling involves gambling with virtual money that can be deposited, won or lost at any time. Online gambling has become a multi-billion industry, and is a popular pastime for many people. It can be a fun way to pass the time or earn some extra cash, but it is also important to know your limits and avoid gambling to an unhealthy degree.

Gambling problems can have serious consequences, such as financial loss, debt and disrupted relationships. It can even lead to depression and anxiety. It is important to be aware of the risks and dangers associated with gambling and seek help if you or someone you know is struggling.

One of the most dangerous risks of gambling is chasing losses. This is when a person attempts to win back their money by placing more bets, hoping that they will turn things around. This can lead to a vicious cycle of losing and attempting to recover, which can have serious implications for an individual’s mental health and financial stability.

To assess the knowledge about risk and protective factors, a systematic review of the literature was conducted using three different academic databases: PubMed, PsychInfo and Scopus. The search was limited to peer-reviewed articles. The following syntax was used: (ab(online, internet, interactive) OR ab(gambling) AND (risk factor OR protective factor OR predictor OR correlate)). The results showed that there are similarities between online and offline gambling in terms of risk and protective factors. However, there are also specific aspects of online gambling that require a more targeted approach in prevention interventions.