Whether online or land-based, gambling is a widespread activity and millions of people engage in it every day. However, it can also lead to a gambling disorder. Research is needed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the risks, prevention, and treatment of gambling disorders.
Internet gambling poses unique problems for gamblers who have gambling problems. The constant availability and the availability of large wagers can lead to excessive gambling. Internet gambling has been found to increase the proportion of gamblers who have gambling problems. Internet gambling is associated with higher rates of alcohol consumption, drug use, and smoking, and these behaviors are more common in problem gamblers. These gamblers also self-harm and have a higher incidence of disability.
In addition, Internet gamblers who have gambling problems engage in a wide range of risk-taking behaviors, which may be related to the high levels of impulsivity and impulsivity. However, some gamblers may not exhibit all of these risk-taking behaviors.
Most research on Internet gambling is cross-sectional. However, it is important to revisit existing theoretical models for problem gambling, which do not take into account the emergence of Internet modes. These models may be able to predict the emergence of gambling problems among Internet gamblers, and identify gamblers who are at risk. In addition, research should examine how Internet gambling behaviour can be integrated with offline gambling behaviour.
LaPlante DA has conducted research based on a database of actual gamblers at a European gambling site. These gamblers are not all highly involved, but those who are may be at risk. The study showed that the extent of involvement was a significant predictor of gambling problems. The research also showed that some Internet gamblers were at risk because they had high rates of illicit drug use.
The emergence of gambling problems among Internet gamblers may be a result of the combination of game-specific characteristics, game-specific variables, and overall involvement. Gambling problems can also be caused by the effects of social pressure, such as the fear of social stigma. Therefore, it is important to examine the prevalence of gambling problems among Internet gamblers in different social contexts, and to understand how Internet gambling may impact the lives of problem gamblers.
Most online gambling operators have policies in place to help responsible players. These include self-exclusion programs, where the gambler can register online and exclude himself from all gambling sites for a set period of time. These programs also help players to set limits on their gambling. However, most operators have not developed procedures to identify risky players. There are few online operators that have shared data with researchers for research purposes.
LaPlante DA conducted research that includes a self-report screen for behavioural data, and a database of actual gamblers at an European gambling site. Although this study was based on a single dataset, it may not apply to other Internet gamblers. The research will continue to identify characteristics of Internet gamblers who are at risk.
