Online Gambling is a fascinating interplay of technology, chance and human instinct. It is a rapidly growing industry with a variety of legal and regulated options available to players. But it can also be a serious problem if not treated correctly. Recognizing that you have a gambling addiction is the first step to recovery. Treatment options include therapy, support groups like Gamblers Anonymous and medication to manage underlying mental health conditions.
Online casino pioneers realized the potential of the new medium and set out to make it more exciting, immersive, and accessible. Cryptologic paved the way by implementing secure monetary transactions, and Microgaming introduced the first progressive jackpot slot game in 1998. Online gamblers were able to play for life-changing sums from the comfort of their sofas.
While the number of Internet gamblers remains relatively low, participation is increasing rapidly worldwide. Many governments have recognized the challenges of prohibition and are legalizing and regulating iGaming [1].
A growing body of evidence demonstrates that online gambling can be addictive and that there are similar psychological, emotional and financial costs to substance use disorders. In fact, the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) includes disordered gambling as its first non-substance behavioural addiction. Identifying, detecting and acting on early risk indicators may significantly reduce the number of gambling-related harms sustained by Internet gamblers. This is a challenging task as single, unmistakable risk indicators are rare, and detection relies on the identification of interactions between various components.