Online Gambling is a digital activity in which real money is bet on games of chance via the Internet or mobile devices. This article provides a review of literature examining risk and protective factors for gambling among those who play online. It compares results from papers that investigate the same topics with those from a different perspective to find patterns of similarities and differences. It also identifies areas that are in need of further research.
Unlike traditional casinos, which require face-to-face interaction and use a system of chips to represent wagers, virtual casino websites allow people to place bets using money they’ve loaded into their accounts—known as bankrolls. Winning bets are added to a player’s bankroll, while losses are deducted from it. Bankrolls can be withdrawn at any time, but players must remember that gambling can be addictive.
A growing number of individuals are playing online games for real money, which makes them susceptible to developing a gambling addiction. While this addiction can be hard to overcome, there are treatment options available. Many of these treatments involve counseling and support groups, which help people understand the root causes of their gambling behavior and develop coping strategies. Medication is also used in some cases, and it can be very effective in eliminating gambling urges. Moreover, some casinos offer self-exclusion periods for players who are concerned they’re becoming addicted to gambling. Generally, these terms are available for as long as the player is a registered member of the site.
