Over the past decade, the use of computers and the Internet has significantly altered the gambling landscape. The results suggest initiatives to prevent the development of disordered gambling should understand the potential of social casino gaming to act as a gateway to online gambling, especially amongst this vulnerable population. Potential mechanisms that may lead to the migration from social casino games to online gambling included the role of advertisements and the inflated pay out rates on these free to play gambling like games. Specifically, several young adults reported migrating to online gambling within a relatively short period after engaging with social casino games. Participants also noted a link between social casino games and online gambling. Participants noted the role of peer influence as well as incentives (e.g., sign up bonuses) as important factors that motivated them to start engaging in online gambling. Three focus groups ( N = 21) were conducted with young adult online gamblers from two large Canadian Universities. This is because there is growing concern that social casino gaming may be a ‘gateway’ to online gambling.

Of particular interest was whether social casino gaming was noted as part of young adults’ experience with online gambling.

The present research examined the mechanisms of initiating online gambling among young adults.