Research Article

Sports Betting Impact on Academic Performance and Coping Strategies Among Students of the University of Port Harcourt

Authors

  • Ochor, Daniel Chinonso Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Faculty of Education, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

    daniel_ochor@uniport.edu.ng

  • Theodora Nneoma Orji Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Faculty of Education, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Sports betting has become a pervasive activity among youth, with significant implications for their academic performance and overall well-being. This study investigates coping strategies to mitigate the impact of sports betting on academic performance among students, drawing on a sample of 201 respondents. The findings reveal that 70% of students have attempted coping strategies, with varying levels of effectiveness, and the most common approaches include setting time limits for betting (60%), avoiding betting during school terms (55%), and engaging in alternative activities (50%). Despite these efforts, sports betting remains a persistent distraction, with its influence exacerbated by peer pressure, accessibility, and aggressive advertisements. The study highlights the need for increased awareness, stricter regulations, and parental or institutional interventions to address the challenges posed by sports betting. Recommendations include targeted educational campaigns, counseling support, and policies aimed at reducing betting accessibility among students.

Keywords:

Academic Performance Coping Strategies Gambling Sports Betting

Article information

Journal

Journal of Education, Learning, and Management

Volume (Issue)

2(1), (2025)

Pages

31-39

Published

23-02-2025

How to Cite

Ochor, D. C., & Theodora, N. O. (2025). Sports Betting Impact on Academic Performance and Coping Strategies Among Students of the University of Port Harcourt. Journal of Education, Learning, and Management, 2(1), 31-39. https://doi.org/10.69739/jelm.v2i1.224

References

Adetayo, O., Oluwaseun, K., & Adebayo, R. (2023). The rise of sports betting in Nigeria: Trends and challenges. African Journal of Social Studies, 15(2), 45–60.

Buchanan, J. S. C., Jones, M. L., & Tann, K. (2017). An analysis of media representation of the Australian electronic gaming machine industry. Journal of Gambling Issues, (36). https://doi.org/10.4309/jgi.2017.36.4

Derevensky, J. L., & Gilbeau, L. (2015). Adolescent gambling: Twenty-five years of research. Canadian Journal of Addiction, 6(2), 4–12. https://journals.lww.com/cja/toc/2015/09000

Derevensky, J. L., & Gupta, R. (2007). Adolescents with gambling problems: A synopsis of our current knowledge. Electronic Journal of Gambling Issues, 16, 1–22.

Derevensky, J., & Gupta, R. (2011). Adolescents with gambling problems: From research to treatment. Journal of Gambling Studies, 27(1), 85–101. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009493200768

Gainsbury, S., Russell, A., Hing, N., Wood, R., & Blaszczynski, A. (2014). The prevalence and determinants of problem gambling in Australia: Assessing the impact of interactive gambling and new technologies. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 28(3), 769–779. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0036207

Griffiths, M. D. (2012). Gambling addiction and its relationship with time management. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 1(1), 47–51.

Gupta, R., & Derevensky, J. L. (1998). Adolescent gambling behavior: A prevalence study and examination of the correlates associated with problem gambling. Journal of Gambling Studies, 14(4), 319–345. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023068925328

Hing, N., & Gainsbury, S. (2013). Gambling advertising and social responsibility. Journal of Business Ethics, 116(3), 601–613. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-012-1483-2

Hing, N., Russell, A., & Gainsbury, S. (2016). Gambling behaviors and the role of counseling. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 14(2), 234–251. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-015-9581-2

Hing, N., Russell, A. M. T., & Browne, M. (2017). Risk factors for gambling problems: A socio-cultural analysis of gambling motivations. Journal of Gambling Studies, 33(4), 927–947. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-017-9673-5

LaPlante, D. A., Nelson, S. E., LaBrie, R. A., & Shaffer, H. J. (2008). Stability and progression of disordered gambling: Lessons from longitudinal studies. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 53(1), 52–60. https://doi.org/10.1177/070674370805300108

Lamont, M., Hing, N., & Gainsbury, S. (2011). Gambling on sport sponsorship: A conceptual framework for research on gambling advertising and sport. International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, 12(3), 59–73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smr.2011.04.004

Ladouceur, R., Sylvain, C., & Gosselin, P. (2007). Self-exclusion program: A longitudinal evaluation study. Journal of Gambling Studies, 23(1), 85–94. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-006-9032-6

Martins, S. S., Tavares, H., da Silva Lobo, D., Galetti, A. M., & Gentil, V. (2004). Pathological gambling, gender, and risk-taking behaviors. Addictive Behaviors, 29(6), 1231–1235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2004.03.023

Nwoke, U., & Chukwuma, I. (2023). The impact of gambling addiction on academic performance: A case study of Nigerian universities. International Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 22(3), 67–84.

Olaleye, T., & Ajayi, A. (2022). Youth unemployment and the lure of sports betting in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Economic Development, 18(4), 123–139.

Okonkwo, E., & Eze, J. (2023). Sports betting advertisements and their influence on Nigerian youth. Journal of Media and Cultural Studies, 10(1), 89–105.

Shaffer, H., Hall, M., & Vander Bilt, J. (2000). Gambling and health: Risk factors among college students. Journal of Gambling Studies, 16(2–3), 101–123. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009486703551

St-Pierre, R. A., Walker, D. M., Derevensky, J. L., & Gupta, R. (2014). How availability and accessibility of gambling venues influence problem gambling: A review of the literature. Gaming Law Review and Economics, 18(2), 150–172. https://doi.org/10.1089/glre.2014.1824

Thomas, S. L., Lewis, S., McLeod, C., & Haycock, J. (2012). ‘They are working every angle’: A qualitative study of Australian adults’ attitudes towards, and interactions with, gambling promotions during sports programming. Health Promotion International, 27(2), 123–132. https://doi.org/10.1080/14459795.2011.639381

Volberg, R. A., Williams, R. J., & Stevens, R. M. (2010). Gambling and problem gambling among youth. Addiction Research & Theory, 18(5), 497–507. https://doi.org/10.3109/16066350902928555

Wardle, H., & McManus, S. (2021). Gambling participation in 2020: Behavior, awareness, and attitudes. Gambling Commission Report.

Williams, R. J., West, B. L., & Simpson, R. I. (2012). Prevention of problem gambling: A comprehensive review of the evidence. Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Downloads

Views

106

Downloads

65