Online gambling has long been at the forefront of behaviors considered "problematic." This observation undoubtedly has a lot of merit. Gambling incorporates locus of control and variable reward scheme, two elements which are identified by Wallace as linking to Problematic Internet Use (PIU). Gamblers rely on chance and probability to dictate their winnings (or losses). The fact that gamblers are rewarded at irregular intervals when betting induces a more addictive effect. The effect is similar when the locus of control is shifted to outside factors instead of the individual. While the variable reward scheme is an aspect of the environment (both online and offline), most of the factors that make gambling problematic are individual factors. Gamblers are often cited for their diminished impulse control and with gambling becoming ever more accessible with its migration online it has become less of an activity and more of a distraction for many people. These are two of the dimensions listed by Davis, Flett & Besser as being predictors for PIU.
More and more research is pointing towards online gambling becoming a refuge for gamblers who want to hide their behavior. A 2002 study (Ladd & Petry) compared online gambling to other forms of gambling like lottery tickets, sports betting, card games, and even bingo. Although online gambling was the least common gambling activity recorded (just over 8% of participants), the researchers noted that the majority of online gamblers had the most serious gambling problems. The online gamblers were also the participants most likely to be unmarried, have lower forms of education, and have lower incomes. All of these factors could further contribute to another predictive problem, as identified by Davis et al, loneliness/depression.
In regards to Caplan's claim that PIU stems from the notion of "excessive and compulsive use", gambling is more accessible now that it is online. This increased accessibility allows a gambler's problematic habit to be fed at any time and for longer periods of time. As gambling addiction has been a problem long before the advent of the internet, trying to fit online gambling into Caplan's "vicious cycle" seems a bit contrived. However, it should be noted that some of the broader aspects of Caplan's theory (like excessive and compulsive use) play a large role in problematic gambling.
Gambling can be an addictive habit online or offline. However, an addiction is more likely to grow and cause serious problems if it is easily hidden. For compulsive gamblers, the internet provides a perfectly anonymous and easily hidden conduit to continue this habit.
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