Introduction: In Crunchbase News Today‘s world, online gambling has become a popular trend as it offers a convenient way for individuals to gamble from the comfort of their homes. The rapid growth of online gambling has captured the attention of researchers, policymakers, and society as a whole. This report aims to explore the latest research findings on online gambling, including its impact on problem gambling, addiction, and the broader society.

Literature Review: Online gambling is a multi-billion dollar industry that encompasses a wide range of activities such as sports betting, casino games, lotteries, and poker. The ease of access and the ability to gamble anonymously from any location have contributed to the surge in online gambling activities. Previous studies have shown that online gambling has increased the rates of problem gambling and addiction, compared to the traditional brick-and-mortar casinos.

One study found that online gambling is associated with higher rates of problem gambling, as online gambling is more accessible and allows for unlimited and convenient gambling opportunities. Online gambling also offers a sense of anonymity, which may facilitate problem gambling behavior. Another study reported that online gambling addiction is more severe and persistent than traditional gambling addiction. Furthermore, online gambling addiction is often associated with co-occurring mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

Moreover, online gambling has broader societal implications as it can lead to negative consequences such as financial problems, legal issues, and social isolation. Individuals who gamble online are at risk of losing massive amounts of money, which can have devastating financial consequences. Online gambling can also lead to legal troubles as some online gambling activities are illegal in certain jurisdictions. Social isolation is another consequence of online gambling, as individuals may spend long hours gambling online, leading to disengagement from their families, friends, and social activities.

Methodology: To address the research questions, the study employed a mixed-methods approach. The study included a comprehensive literature review of previous research on online gambling, including empirical studies, reviews, and meta-analyses. The literature review aimed to identify the major themes that emerged from the literature on online gambling. Additionally, a survey was conducted with individuals who had gambled online at least once in the past year.

The survey aimed to explore the attitudes and behavior of online gamblers, their motivations to gamble online, and their experiences with online gambling. The survey included questions on demographics, gambling frequency, the types of online gambling activities engaged in, and the perceived social and financial impacts of online gambling. Results: The results of the literature review confirmed that online gambling is associated with higher rates of problem gambling and addiction, compared to traditional gambling.

The survey findings revealed that the majority of online gamblers (61%) were male and that the most frequently used device for online gambling was a desktop computer (67%). The most popular online gambling activities were sports betting (47%) and online casino games (40%).