Online Gambling is a common pastime in which people can lose control and quickly experience financial hardship. Many factors may lead to gambling addiction, including stress, boredom, loneliness, and financial difficulties. Identifying triggers can help individuals take action to address these issues and stop engaging in unhealthy behaviors. These include seeking alternative activities for stress relief, finding healthy ways to cope with emotions, and establishing support networks. In addition to addressing these issues, individuals can take steps to prevent chasing losses by setting limits and using a budget.
While there are many benefits to Online Gambling, it is also important to recognize the risks. One of the most serious risks is financial detriment, which can be caused by excessive gambling and chasing losses. This can lead to significant financial loss and a lack of money for other necessary expenses, such as food or shelter. If you are concerned about your gambling habits, it is a good idea to seek professional assistance.
In the literature, a relevant number of studies report that the presence of risk factors such as high expenditures and longer session duration is more likely to occur among online at-risk gamblers than in nonproblematic ones (Gainsbury et al., 2015c). In addition, there is evidence that drinking alcohol or taking drugs during gambling is more prevalent among problem gamblers than in nonproblematic ones. Finally, several studies report that solitary gambling and using mobile devices to play are more prevalent among problem gamblers than in the nonproblematic group.
Another concern is the neglect of responsibilities, which can have negative consequences on personal and social well-being. For example, individuals who are absorbed in online gambling might ignore their work or school responsibilities and miss important deadlines. This can have a long-term effect on their academic or career success and could damage relationships with family members. Furthermore, some studies have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted land-based gamblers to move towards online gambling.