Exploring predictors of online gambling in a nationally representative sample of Spanish adolescents

The Internet plays a central role in the daily life of most adolescents. Despite the numerous potential benefits the Internet affords, it can also lead to problematic behaviours. This study analyses several risk and protective factors associated with online gambling among a Spanish representative sample of students aged 14-18 years old (N = 37,486). Ordered logistic regression estimates show a positive and increasing association between online gambling prevalence and the frequency by which adolescents report cyberbullying victimization. However, having caring parents, having less disposable income, not participating in sports, and reading for entertainment appear as protective factors.