Online Gambling is an activity where gamblers play casino games in a virtual setting. These platforms offer a wide variety of games and are accessible through computers, tablets, and smartphones. Some online gambling sites also provide social interaction between players. In addition, these websites often have stringent security measures to protect their users’ personal and financial information. Lastly, online gambling sites are regulated and frequently audited by independent bodies to ensure that they are fair to their users.
Online gambling has seen a dramatic increase in popularity in recent decades. Its popularity is partly due to the ease of access, anonymity, and variety of games. However, there are concerns that it may lead to increased gambling problems and harms. The aim of this article is to present the state of knowledge concerning risk and protective factors for gambling on the internet, using a cross-sectional approach. The literature was searched in PubMed, PsychInfo and Scopus, with articles that met the following criteria being selected:
Gambling online can serve as a mental exercise for those who use the platform to practice strategic decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These skills are important for maintaining cognitive function and boosting memory and focus. Furthermore, some games require players to study odds and statistics, which can help develop mathematical and analytical abilities. Additionally, the sense of community and belonging provided by online gambling can help improve mental health by providing people with a place to connect with others who have similar interests.