There have been growing concerns about harms related to online gambling. Modern forms of online gambling are continuing to evolve with the introduction of new technologies. Dark patterns are design choices that guide behaviour in a potentially negative way. Unfortunately, they are prevalent on gambling websites. The researchers conducted a scoping review of dark patterns in online gambling. They mapped the identified dark patterns into five categories: sneaking, obstruction, interface interference, forced action, and social engineering. There is a lack of evidence on the impact on gambling behaviour, as research is hindered by restricted access to data from gambling operators.
