The role of online gambling in the daily lives of people with non-problem gambling

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Author(s): Ghelfi, Michela ; Marchesi, Lara ; Briziarelli, Francesca ; Carozzi, Nicola ; Velasco, Veronica

Journal: Current Psychology

Year Published: 2026

Date Added: March 18, 2026

This study examined how online gambling fits into the lifestyles of people with non-problem gambling. A total of 14 participants were interviewed. Participants were Italian adults who gambled online at least twice in the past year and had non-problem gambling. The findings highlight how gambling is a habit that is embedded in daily routine. Gambling is also linked with specific times of the year or special occasions. Participants discussed the social contexts of online gambling, along with strategies to control gambling, motivations, and unique features of online gambling. Participants tended to downplay their gambling behaviour as not “real gambling”. Drawing on the findings, the researchers proposed three profiles of people with non-problem gambling who gamble online.

Citation: Ghelfi, M., Marchesi, L., Briziarelli, F., Carozzi, N., & Velasco, V. (2026). How online gambling fits into people’s lives: Qualitative research on nonproblem gamblers. Current Psychology, 45, 46. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-025-08836-2

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-025-08836-2

Keywords: lifestyle ; online gambling ; prevention

Topics: Gambling Resources ; Information for Operators ; Online Gambling ; Prevention

Conceptual Framework Factors: Gambling Types ; Exposure - Gambling Setting ; Types - Structural Characteristics ; Exposure - Accessibility ; Resources - Harm Reduction, Prevention, and Protection ; Gambling Exposure ; Gambling Resources

Study Design: Other Qualitative

Geographic Coverage: Italy

Study Population: Adults with low-risk gambling (PGSI <8) who had gambled online at least twice in the last year (n=14)

Sampling Procedure: Participants were recruited through advertisements published in local newspapers, social media, and communications by project partners. Flyers were created with the study information and the QR code of the online screening questionnaire.

Study Funding:

Open access funding was provided by Università degli Studi di Milano–Bicocca within the CRUI-CARE agreement. The study was supported by the Lombardy Region through a scientific collaboration agreement between Università degli Studi di Milano–Bicocca’s Psychology Department and Società Co-operativa Sociale Piccolo Principe.