The Social and Online Worlds Intertwine
Online gambling is becoming more and more popular. It provides the gambler with the ability to gamble at any time of the day or night. Gambling on the internet can be a very lucrative activity if done properly. However, it can also cause trouble if not kept in check. Several states have stepped up to protect consumers by creating strong rules about online gambling sites.
The popularity of social networking sites has provided a gateway for gambling. This can be seen in the increase in ads for social casino games on social media sites. Some researchers have suggested that these advertisements should be held to the same standards as other forms of gambling.
Recent studies have investigated how the social and online worlds intersect. These include a study that examined the role of social casino gaming on the migration of young adults into online gambling. Another study investigated how the social media and gambling industries use information about users and their activities to market their products.
Researchers have also looked at the ways in which advertisements entice young adults to gamble. This includes the way in which advertisements tout the benefits of gambling. Despite their claim that these ads are a way to have fun, they actually portray some of the hazards that are associated with gambling. Similarly, advertisements on online gambling websites can be very deceptive. They may lure the gambler into playing for real money. Although some of the online casinos offer promotions to attract players, the house always wins.
For many people, the thrill of not knowing whether they will win is the main reason for betting. Online gambling is a good alternative to traveling to a venue to place bets. There are even mobile apps that allow you to watch live scores while you gamble.
College students are among the most frequent online gamblers. While some of them do it because their friends are doing it, others do it for the simple fact that it is fun. Whether they are using it to escape or to have a good time, online gambling can be addictive. In addition to the risk of overspending, gambling online can also lead to other issues.
A recent survey of college students revealed that more than half of them play a social casino game at least once a week. One participant reported transitioning from social casino gaming to online gambling after only two weeks.
Although the study did not explore the reasons why people engage in social casino gaming, it does point out that such games are a logical precursor to online gambling. Specifically, the study found that advertisements for social casino games are more likely to appear on social media and to young adults than to other demographics.
Research has identified several risk factors for disordered gambling. Young adults and adolescents are at a greater risk of developing disordered gambling. Fortunately, they are at a lower risk than older individuals. But even young adults can be susceptible to disordered gambling, especially if they have an unstable social life.