A new research review from Southern Cross University indicates there is little evidence to support the fear that online betting may increase the likelihood of gambling problems, although vulnerable gamblers remain most at risk.

The review of existing literature was conducted by Dr Sally Gainsbury from the University’s Centre for Gambling Education and Research to provide an overview of significant trends and developments in research relating to problematic online betting. The results were published recently in the paper, Online Gambling Addiction: the Relationship Between Internet Gambling and Disordered Gambling.

“Although studies have found higher rates of gambling problems among internet gamblers, when controlling for overall gambling involvement and intensity, including gambling on land-based forms, participation in internet gambling is not related to gambling problems,” Dr Gainsbury said.

“These findings indicate that not all internet gamblers will experience problems. But it is important to note that the accessibility of internet gambling, combined with its capacity to spend considerable amounts of time and money, make it a risky activity for vulnerable gamblers. Read more about this online betting study on their website.

About Southern Cross University

Southern Cross is a world-ranked university, but the greatest measures of our success are the careers we have fostered among 66,000 alumni, who stride a global stage with confidence.

Southern Cross University is powered by passion. Our people are driven by excellence and a desire to constantly build on the quality of their teaching and research. We are a university of great collegiality and high achievement.

We are deeply rooted in its regional communities and demonstrates that world-class research, teaching and learning thrives outside metropolitan centres.