Current knowledge on online sports betting

Online sports betting has significantly expanded since 2015. Besides its popularity and ease of access, several factors have contributed to the dynamism of this activity: repeated technological advances, the financial profits generated, the opening up of online gambling to competition, the impact of sports betting advertising and promotional inducements on gambling behaviour, as well as the attractiveness of the wagering products, which is constantly being refreshed. 

Although this gambling practice raises questions, particularly about its potential addictive nature, current knowledge about so-called “problem” sports betting remains largely unknown. However, the dissemination of available knowledge and the development of dedicated research work are a major challenge for the scientific community, public authorities and health care actors, in order to inform policy to protect vulnerable populations and prevent excessive gambling behaviour.

Based on a review of the international literature, this report presents a summary of the work done on seven issues:

• The effective dissemination of sports betting and its evolution.
• Problem behaviour among sports bettors.
• Associated risk factors (socio-demographic, behavioural and psychological).
• The motivations and perceptions of sports bettors.
• The characteristics of the gambling products and their potential addictive power.
• The influence of marketing, advertising strategies and financial rewards.
• The emerging disparities between countries (regulation, supply, behaviour)