Online Gamling is a form of gambling that involves placing wagers on sports and other events via the internet. It has grown in popularity and is now one of the largest sources of online revenue worldwide. It also comes with serious financial risks, as many gamblers may make impulsive purchases that can quickly add up and lead to debt. It’s important for gamblers to be aware of the dangers and set limits on their spending.
Gambling is often associated with addiction and mental health problems. In some cases, it can interfere with family, work, and social relationships. It can also lead to disrupted sleep cycles and withdrawal symptoms. It’s essential for individuals with these issues to seek help from a professional. Getting treatment is crucial for long-term recovery.
Despite its unregulated nature and low profile, online gambling has grown rapidly and is estimated to produce nearly US$42 billion in global revenue annually. However, research into this understudied and under-reported phenomenon is in its early stages. It is important to understand the potential risks of online gambling and develop strategies for reducing harm.
In the past decade, industry changes have undermined self-regulatory efforts and exacerbated harmful behaviours among some problem gamblers, particularly those who struggle to maintain or regain control over their gambling. In particular, the increased availability of fast, highly incentivised gambling services and exotic bets with poor odds appear to disproportionately affect those most vulnerable to gambling harm.
Using qualitative methods to examine the impact of these changes, this paper draws on the lived experiences of a small sample of Australian Internet gamblers. While interviewees’ responses are not representative of the wider population, they provide richer insights than can be obtained from cross-sectional surveys and may be less subject to social desirability bias. In addition, drawing on participants’ lived experience may identify issues that have not been considered in quantitative studies. It is recommended that longitudinal research be incorporated into the design of future Internet gambling intervention studies.
