In this study, the researchers explored whether using drugs and alcohol explains the relationship between incorrect gambling beliefs and suicidal thoughts. They also explored if gender (i.e., being a man or woman) affects this relationship. The researchers recruited participants from sports betting cafes in two cities in Nigeria. Participants were 251 adults who regularly bet on sports. Participants completed a survey. Overall, men who believed that they could not stop gambling were at greater risk of having suicidal thoughts if they also used drugs and alcohol. This was not observed in women, likely because of their lower drug and alcohol use. These findings could be helpful to treatment services and suicidal prevention programmes.
