One of the most significant changes to the gambling environment in the past 15 years has been the increased availability of internet gambling. Internet gambling is any gambling conducted remotely via the internet and includes gambling through computers and laptops, smartphones, tablets, and even gaming consoles, smart watches and virtual-reality headsets. This is the fastest growing mode of gambling and is changing the way that gamblers engage with different forms of gambling. Due to the high level of accessibility, immersive interface and ease at which money can be spent, concerns have been expressed that internet gambling may increase rates of disordered gambling.
Australian participation in internet gambling is growing rapidly, from less than one per cent of adults in 1999, to an estimated 26 per cent of adult internet users in 2014. The main types of online gambling are wagering and lottery, which can be provided through domestically licensed sites. Offshore sites acting in contravention of Australian laws provide casino, slot machines, scratch tickets, bingo, poker and other forms of gambling online with few barriers for consumers. Use of offshore gambling sites is risky for Australians as these may have few consumer protection measures to ensure that games are fair, information is kept private, accounts are secure and winnings are paid. However, Australian sites have been criticised for excessive marketing, promotions and inducements, which may encourage customers to gamble more than they can afford.
Internet gambling has specific features that may be related to excessive gambling and subsequent harm. Research suggests that the most commonly reported motivators and advantages of internet gambling are the convenience and accessibility of this mode. The ability to instantly access online gambling may create difficulties for vulnerable gamblers as individuals with gambling problems often have poor impulse control. Other commonly stated advantages include offers of ‘free’ money – which may induce people to spend their own money and gamble repeatedly; access to a greater number of gambling products – which may lead to gambling diversity, which is a common marker of gambling problems; and the physical comfort of gambling at home – leading to lengthy sessions, including at antisocial hours, resulting in excessive expenditure.
Immersive technology and behavioural addictions
The immersive nature of the internet increases the likelihood of experiencing disassociation and internet gamblers are more likely to report disruption to their sleeping and eating patterns from gambling than those who only gamble in venues. Not surprisingly, disadvantages cited by internet gamblers include that it is easier to spend money online, it is too convenient, and concerns about account security. The use of digital money may reduce the salience of expenditure for some people, leading to increased gambling and losses. The ability to use credit cards for internet gambling allows people to gamble with more money than they have, which is why these are not allowed for gambling on electronic gaming machines (EGMs or ‘pokies’).
Numerous studies have found greater levels of problem gambling severity amongst samples of internet as compared to non-internet gamblers, including up to three times higher rates of those classified as problem gamblers. However, engagement in internet gambling does not appear to be a predictor of experiencing gambling-related problems. Very few internet gamblers only gamble online, and greater gambling involvement in terms of diversity of activities and modes of access appears to have a strong relationship with the experience of gambling problems. Research suggests that for around half of those who gamble online and experience problems, they had problems before they engaged with this mode of access.
In recognition of the potential for people to experience harms related to internet gambling, the Australian Government is currently developing a national consumer protection framework. This aims to strengthen the provisions of harm minimisation strategies provided by domestically-licensed gambling sites. The intent is to enhance consumer awareness of the importance of proactively managing gambling, such as by using self-selected limits on deposits and expenditure. Activity statements will allow gamblers to see how much they are spending, and also provide an opportunity for appropriate messaging, such as normative feedback about their gambling involvement and suggestions for active engagement with harm minimisation tools. Online gambling operators will be banned for offering customer credit and inducements and promotions to gamble will be limited. Finally, for those who have serious gambling problems, a national self-exclusion register will be established that will allow individuals to restrict themselves from accessing all domestically-licensed online gambling sites.
Some forms of gambling appear to be more problematic in their online, as compared to land-based, forms. In Australia, sports betting in venues is rarely related to problems, however, online sports betting is emerging as a significant issue. Professional treatment seeking for online sports betting has doubled from 2010/11 to 2014/15 in NSW, which reflects trends nationally. However, a notable proportion of internet gamblers do not seek formal help.
Treating online gambling addiction
There are differences between internet and land-based gambling that are important for treatment providers to consider. In comparison to individuals reporting problems related to land-based gambling, internet gamblers reporting problems are more likely to be younger, male and from a culturally diverse background. Compared to land-based problem gamblers, internet gamblers with problems are likely to engage in a greater number of gambling activities, including online and offline, as well as participate in sports betting. This has implications for treatment; treatment providers may need to provide psychoeducation and assist with cognitive and behavioural strategies about a broad range of gambling activities, rather than focusing on a single, problematic form. Strategies to reduce gambling may be more difficult given the constant and easy accessibility of online sites. Treatment providers should be aware of online tools and resources, including those provided by online gambling operators such as limits and self-exclusion, as well as limiting options for electronic funds transfers. Further, consideration is needed to determine if current treatments are suitable to this new cohort of gamblers.
EGMs continue to be the main form of gambling associated with problems in Australia. However, it is likely that internet gambling will continue to increase as being the main cause of gambling-related problems. This may be particularly seen among younger adults who are likely to engage with this mode of access earlier in their gambling careers. It is important for psychologists to screen for gambling-related problems, including online gambling, as a large proportion of problem gambling goes unreported. Internet gamblers may prefer alternate modes of treatment, including brief interventions, self-help and online tools. These may also be relevant for young people, who are used to accessing help and information online. Smartphones may offer significant new ways to deliver therapeutic support, which can be as effective as face-to-face therapy. Importantly, tools to assist all gamblers in avoiding gambling-related harm need to be developed and their uptake encouraged, to limit the potential harm related to these new and evolving modes of gambling.
As new technology continues to be developed operators are offering interactive and innovative ways for players to gamble. Ongoing regulatory attention and research as well as treatment updates are needed to minimise gambling-related harm.
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