Risk factors of problem gambling among UK university students

View Open Access Article View Snapshot Back to Search Results

snapshot summaries

Author(s): Zolkwer, Morgan B. ; Dighton, Glen ; Singer, Bryan F. ; Dymond, Simon

Journal: Journal of Gambling Issues

Year Published: 2022

Date Added: January 18, 2024

University students may have higher risks of having gambling-related issues. The current study investigated problem gambling and its association with student status, demographics, and general wellbeing. Participants were 402 domestic and international students attending university in the United Kingdom. The results show that about 44% of students experienced at-risk gambling and 6% of students experienced problem gambling. The researchers identified being male, accessing university funds for financial hardship, and being in the final year of study as important risk factors for problem gambling.

Citation: Zolkwer, M. B., Dighton, G., Singer, B. F., & Dymond, S. (2022). Gambling problems among students attending university in the United Kingdom: Associations with gender, financial hardship and year of study. Journal of Gambling Issues. https://doi.org/10.4309/FYPO3349

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.4309/FYPO3349

Keywords: finances ; gambling ; gender ; mental health ; students

Conceptual Framework Factors: Cultural - Gender ; Psychological Factors ; Social - Social Demographics ; Social Factors

Study Design: Descriptive: Survey

Geographic Coverage: United Kingdom, Wales

Study Population: Students attending a university in South Wales, UK (n = 402). The mean age of participants was 20.7 years old, and 53.7% identified as women, 45.5% as men, and 0.75% as other. About 84.4% identified as White in ethnicity.

Sampling Procedure: Participants were recruited via campus-wide email announcements and an exhibitor stand in the foyer of the university library during the academic years 2017/2018 and 2018/2019. Participants recruited via the School of Psychology research participation panel received two course credits for completing the study.

Study Funding:

No funding was received for this study.