Online Gambling is an activity where people use real money to bet on games of chance using the Internet. This activity is popular, legal in many jurisdictions, and continues to grow. It is important to understand the risk factors and protective factors associated with this activity. To investigate this, a systematic literature review was conducted. Searches were conducted in PubMed, PsychInfo, and Scopus. Search terms were limited to the words “gambling, online, Internet, interactive”. A synthesis of the findings regarding risk and protective factors was performed.

The availability of gambling products is a significant risk factor. Accessibility, particularly in disadvantaged areas, increases the likelihood of gambling uptake and the development of pathological gambling. Promotion of gambling products (eg, sponsorship or colocation with sport events) is also a major driver of uptake and harm. In addition, nudges and other marketing strategies may enhance normalization of gambling. These include the design features of EGMs that encourage extended play and the use of “dark nudges” such as product placement to promote gambling.

Personality traits are also important in predicting gambling behaviour. While results vary, studies consistently report that high impulsivity is a risk factor for gambling disorder. However, it is not clear whether this is a direct cause or a consequence of problem gambling and further research is needed on this matter. Research on motivational factors has produced mixed results, with social and financial motives more often reported for nonproblem gamblers than coping or pleasure motives. Finally, a number of studies have shown that women are at greater risk for gambling problems than men.