Online gambling is the act of betting on games of chance or skill for money. It’s a common pastime for people around the world, but it can also lead to problems such as addiction. It can also damage relationships, finances and mental health. Recognizing gambling-related issues is the first step to getting help. Many websites and apps have tools to help people who need it. These include universal pre-commitment and self-exclusion, which allow people to ban themselves from their accounts for days, weeks or even months. These are the most effective options for reducing gambling-related harm.

To investigate knowledge of risk and protective factors in online gambling, a literature search was conducted in the PubMed, PsychInfo and Scopus databases. The research was limited to articles that were peer-reviewed and published in English between 2010 and 2020. The search strategy was based on PICO (Population Intervention Comparison Outcome) and included both comparative studies of online and offline gamblers and studies of online nonproblematic vs. problematic gamblers.

A large percentage of gambling takes place in casinos, clubs and the TAB, but the internet has also made it possible to gamble from home. There are now a number of gambling apps and sites that allow you to place bets on sports, horse races, casino games and pokies, with a range of different currencies available. These are gaining in popularity as they offer convenience, security and a variety of different options. Some countries have legalized these sites and regulate them in order to minimize gambling-related harm. However, it’s important to remember that gambling is still a dangerous activity, and can have serious consequences if you become addicted.