Online Gambling is a form of gambling in which participants wager virtual money on the outcome of a game or event. These games often include elements such as sports betting, casino-style games and lottery-like scratchcards. These games are typically offered through web browsers, mobile devices and downloadable software. Many governments regulate the activities of online gambling websites and impose penalties on those who violate their regulations. These include fines, confiscation of assets and criminal prosecution.

Despite its rapid growth, there is little known about the mechanisms that drive uptake and the nature of harms associated with online gambling. This article explores knowledge about these processes by conducting a systematic literature search of peer-reviewed journals using the PubMed, PsychInfo and Scopus databases with syntax that included the keywords “gambling” and “online” in conjunction with the terms “risk factors”, “protective factors”, “predictor” or “correlates”.

Harms associated with gambling range from relationship breakdown to family violence, financial distress and stigma, to income-generating crimes (theft and fraud), neglect of children and erosion of civil institutions through corruption and corporate political activity. Those who gamble may also be at risk of developing gambling disorder, a mental health condition with symptoms similar to other addictions. These include disrupted relationships, work and school performance and feelings of withdrawal when trying to quit gambling.

There are several treatment options for those suffering from gambling disorder. Therapy – including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – is highly effective, as are support groups and medication to manage underlying conditions like anxiety and depression.