ABSTRACT
Internet gambling continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. While there still remains economic uncertainly and legal impediments, the number of countries regulating and/or operating sites continues to increase rapidly. The widespread social acceptance of gambling in general and the adoption of technological advances associated with the Internet itself likely has been an important contributing factor in its growth and popularity. Yet, Internet gambling in general, and in particular how it impacts young people, remains a relatively under-researched area. While our current knowledge remains in its infancy and the prevalence rates remain relatively low (Griffiths, 2010), researchers and clinicians are predicting greater involvement among youth as more countries legalize, license, or operate this form of gambling and alternative methods of payment are developed. This chapter provides a review of the relevant literature relating to online gambling among youth. The chapter comprises four sections: (a) the empirical studies on adolescent Internet gambling, (b) online gambling-like experiences during adolescence, (c) adolescent gambling via social networking sites, and (d) adolescent gambling via online penny auction sites. Age verification in relation to prevention and regulation are examined. A cautionary note is important when examining the research in this chapter. The studies presented vary in terms of the methodological procedures used to collect data, cultural and geographical differences, and the year the data were collected, all of which likely influence their results.
