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A CRITICAL INVESTIGATION ON THE FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PREVALENCE OF SPORTS GAMBLING DISORDER AMONG NIGERIAN YOUTHS
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
- Background of the study
The period of youth development may be more prone to the emergence of sports gambling problems compared to other stages of life. This activity can have dangerous or even fatal consequences, such as suicide, accidents, and deep regret. Sports gambling disorder is a major concern among various academic and professional groups, including educators, medical professionals, sociologists, religious leaders, counselors, and parents (Akanle & Kolade, 2015). This issue is a pressing matter both nationally and internationally, as it involves a significant level of youth participation. Sports gambling disorder refers to behaviors that can expose individuals to injury or significant risk, hindering their ability to reach their full potential (James, O’Malley, & Tunney, 2017). In line with common beliefs about sports gambling disorder, youth sports gambling disorder is characterized by a behavioral pattern with the potential for negative consequences, such as financial losses, counterbalanced by perceived benefits, such as financial gains. When the perceived benefits of an action outweigh the drawbacks, individuals often do not view it as risky. Conversely, when the drawbacks exceed the benefits, the behavior is usually considered risky or even reckless. Various factors may contribute to the development of gambling problems, including sensation-seeking tendencies, individual temperament, levels of self-esteem, and peer pressure, among other potential influences. Protective factors that reduce risky behaviors may include higher self-esteem and a tendency toward an internal locus of control. On the other hand, adolescents who exhibit high levels of sensation-seeking and impulsivity are more susceptible to engaging in risky activities like sports betting.
Additionally, there is increasing concern among parents and others about the prevalence of sports betting among young people. This concern arises from the observation that youngsters are using their educational funds and personal allowances for gambling activities to earn monetary rewards. This perspective may stem from the belief that the higher the level of risk associated with a game, the greater the potential payoff. According to Kam et al. (2017), this behavior may have significantly harmed their future plans.
Sports betting has become a common practice at Nigerian universities, with youths often discussing terms like “odds double chance,” “over one point five,” and “goal goal,” among others. Sports betting has gained popularity and become a highly lucrative sector within the gambling industry. This is especially true for football betting, where enthusiasts predict game outcomes. Fans who accurately forecast outcomes receive rewards, while those with incorrect predictions face financial penalties. The phenomenon of Nigerian supporters showing a high level of dedication and knowledge in understanding football is becoming widespread. These fans, considered true enthusiasts, are going beyond mere support and actively engaging in activities like betting to demonstrate their commitment to the sport. A study by Ssewanyana and Bitanihirw (2018) found that many Nigerian football enthusiasts prefer international European football leagues.
Football betting in Nigeria primarily focuses on major European leagues. The most popular European leagues among Nigerian supporters, in order of popularity, are the English Premiership, Spanish La Liga, Italian Serie A, and German Bundesliga. English Premier League clubs have the largest fan base, followed by the Spanish La Liga and Italian Serie A. According to Roberts et al. (2016), the clubs with the most fan support, in descending order, are Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Liverpool. The prevalence of sports betting in Benue State has grown significantly since 2015, coinciding with the rise of online sports betting platforms like NairaBet, NiajaBet, and Access.
Moreover, some communities, particularly those facing economic hardship and social challenges, view gambling as a potential solution to these problems. Areas with high unemployment rates have found economic revitalization through gambling, particularly by establishing pool and sports betting facilities (Sammut, 2010).
The younger generation, especially students, has increasingly turned to betting, sometimes prioritizing it over their education. In some cases, students have tragically resorted to suicide after financial losses from gambling. Additionally, some students have been unable to meet academic obligations, such as completing exams, or have had to drop out of university because they misused tuition funds for gambling, resulting in significant losses. Although gambling was not a major issue in Nigeria during the 1980s and 1990s, it has become a significant concern in recent years, requiring more investigation and understanding. The Productivity Commission (PC, 2010) defines gambling as wagering money or other valuable assets on the outcome of a game or event primarily determined by chance. Sports betting involves wagering both economic and non-economic resources on the outcomes of football matches or other games (Fageyinbo & Kolade, 2015). Sports betting is a form of gambling where individuals willingly risk their money with the expectation of earning greater financial returns based on the outcome of a chosen sports event, like a football match, according to the terms and conditions set by the betting organization.
Nevertheless, gambling is prevalent across many age groups. However, university students are considered particularly vulnerable due to the transitional nature of their academic journey, which often involves leaving the familial environment and experiencing reduced behavioral constraints (Koross, 2016). A study by Koross (2016) found that this population segment exhibits a much higher prevalence of “disordered” gambling than adults in the general population, with a rate three times higher. Furthermore, this population segment also shows one of the highest frequencies of problem and pathological gambling compared to other segments of the population. Koross (2016) noted that a significant proportion of university students, around 67%, engage in sports betting using their tuition fees. Therefore, addressing student engagement in gambling is imperative, as it has detrimental effects on both student behavior and society at large. This issue has garnered significant attention across Nigeria, warranting serious consideration.
Sports betting can lead to numerous adverse outcomes, such as criminal activities, financial indebtedness and bankruptcies, job setbacks, homelessness, strained familial and personal relationships, and possibly even suicide, as highlighted by the National Council on Problem Gambling. A study by the National Research Council in 2019 found that a significant proportion, up to 20%, of individuals seeking help for gambling-related issues exhibit suicidal tendencies. Additionally, the same study reveals that about two-thirds of these individuals have engaged in illicit activities to sustain their gambling habits (National Research Council, 2019). A study by Koross (2016) at the Youth Gambling Institute at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, found that university students are the most vulnerable population and age group at the highest risk. This is primarily due to their perception of being intellectually superior and invulnerable. Against this background, this study investigates the factors associated with the prevalence of sports gambling disorder among Nigerian youths.
1.2 Statement of the problem
According to Abbott’s (2017) study, individuals who engage in recurrent gambling behaviour face challenges in regulating their impulse to gamble. This struggle is often attributed to the accumulation of substantial debts resulting from excessive gambling. Consequently, these individuals find themselves in circumstances where resorting to dishonesty and engaging in criminal activities becomes necessary to acquire funds for debt settlement (Abbott, 2017). In light of the existing research on the issue of gambling among university students, the present study extends its scope to examine the prevalence of sports gambling disorder among Nigerian adolescents enrolled in certain institutions in Ogun State. Hence, the study investigates the factors associated with the prevalence of sports gambling disorder among Nigerian youths.
1.3 Objective of the study
The broad objective of the study is to investigate the factors associated with the prevalence of sports gambling disorder among Nigerian youths. The specific objectives is as follows
- Determine the factors perceived to be the reason for sports gambling among Nigerian youths.
- Investigate the prevalence of sports gambling disorder among Nigerian youths.
- Assess the factors associated with the prevalence of sports gambling disorder among Nigerian youths.
1.4 Research questions
The following questions have been prepared for the study
- What are the factors perceived to be the reason for sports gambling among Nigerian youths?
- What is the prevalence of sports gambling disorder among Nigerian youths?
- What are the factors associated with the prevalence of sports gambling disorder among Nigerian youths?
1.5 Significance of the study
The study’s results provided pertinent insights into the issue of gambling addiction among university students in Nigeria for the researchers. These results have the potential to assist academics and researchers in advancing the current body of literature and understanding pertaining to the issue of gambling among university students in Nigeria. The present research has generated insights that may be used by counsellors and therapists to enhance the existing theories and approaches employed in the field of counselling. This knowledge has the potential to enhance the counselling practises used by professionals working with university students who are experiencing gambling-related issues.
1.6 Scope of the study
The study focuses on the factors associated with the prevalence of sports gambling disorder among Nigerian youths. Hence, the study will determine the factors perceived to be the reason for sports gambling among Nigerian youths, investigate the prevalence of sports gambling disorder among Nigerian youths and assess the factors associated with the prevalence of sports gambling disorder among Nigerian youths. Therefore, the study is delimited to Oshogbo, Osun State.
1.7 Limitation of the study
Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.