Exploring Measures of Adolescent Online Gambling: Insights from a Narrative Literature Review

Abstract ―​

With the increased accessibility to digital technology, adolescents’ exposure to online gambling activities has dramatically increased over the previous years and is eventually becoming a part of many adolescents’ daily experiences. These exposures may range from online sports betting and digital card games to gambling simulations in video games. The frequency and immediacy of exposure to these types of activities may pose significant threats to adolescents’ health, which therefore warrants particular attention for appropriate assessment measures to minimize harm among the youth. The study aims to explore the current tools used to assess online gambling problems among adolescents, highlighting the importance of timely and appropriate measures to address the various aspects of problematic gambling among youth. Findings showed that many instruments demonstrated sound psychometric properties and initial cultural adaptability. However, there is a need to enhance the generalizability by reducing reliance to self-reported data, expand representation, improve diagnostic accuracy, and integrate assessments that reflect the digital landscape. By rethinking how online problem gambling is assessed, this study hopes to contribute to a more proactive intervention and better mental health outcomes for adolescents who are navigating a digitally connected world.