A Review of Gambling and Online Gambling Addiction and Their Effects as Types of Addiction

Due to rapid technological developments, social media platforms and virtual environments have become widely used, enabling individuals to express themselves, communicate, and seek social approval. While digital platforms have become essential communication tools, their widespread use has also produced negative consequences. Easy access to online environments, exposure to advertisements promoting gambling behaviors, and individuals’ attempts to cope with economic difficulties have contributed to a growing prevalence of betting, online betting, and online gambling. This review examines gambling and online gambling addiction as behavioral addictions and explores their psychological, social, and digital determinants. The study employed document analysis as a qualitative research method. Relevant literature, including peer-reviewed articles, theses, reports, and official publications, was reviewed based on their relevance to gambling disorder, behavioral addiction, and digital media influences. The findings were synthesized through thematic analysis. The literature indicates that online gambling addiction is associated with impulsivity, sensation seeking, economic stress, low social support, and comorbid psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety. Digital media environments increase exposure, accessibility, and the normalization of gambling behaviors. Adolescents, males, and socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals are identified as high-risk groups. Online gambling addiction causes a growing behavioral health concern in the digital age. Preventive strategies should focus on risk awareness, digital media literacy, early intervention, and psychosocial support mechanisms. Keywords: Behavioral Addiction, Gambling Disorder, Online Gambling, Digital Media, Risk Factors, DSM-5.