Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Sports Gambling Intention Comparison Between Males and Females in the United States

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Journal of Gambling Studies Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The focus of this research is to understand the sports gambling intentions of Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) that can potentially lead to problematic gambling behavior. Rooted in the theory of planned behavior, the study delves into the roles of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control in shaping these intentions. A cross-sectional study of 513 Gen Z’s in the United States was conducted. The partial least square structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationship and compare the differences between males and females with multigroup analysis. The results indicate that attitude and perceived behavior control have a significant impact on this intention, while subjective norms do not exert substantial influence. Notably, gender differences are observed, with males showing a stronger association with perceived behavior control and females with attitude. The model effectively accounts for significant variations in sports gambling intention, highlighting a higher inclination among females as compared to males. This study provides a new perspective for analyzing disparities in sports gambling intention between genders and delves into the underlying motivations that can potentially contribute to the development of problematic gambling disorders. Given the significant societal impact and the adverse effects that gambling disorders have on those affected, it is imperative to conduct research aimed at understanding the reasons behind Gen Z’s engagement in gambling. The findings can then be harnessed to inform the development of preventive programs aimed at curbing problematic gambling behaviors.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ajzen, I. (1991). The theory of planned behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 50(2), 179–211.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ajzen, I., & Albarrac ́ın, D. (2007). Predicting and changing behavior: A reasoned action approach. In I. Ajzen, D. Albarracin, & R. Hornik (Eds.), Prediction and change of health behavior: Applying the reasoned action approach (pp. 3–21). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. (DSM-5). American Psychiatric Association Publishing.

  • Bagot, K. L., Cheetham, A., Lubman, D. I., & Rodda, S. N. (2020). Predictors of Strategy Engagement for the Prevention and reduction of Gambling Harm: A prospective application of the theory of Planned Behavior. Int. J. Ment. Health Addict.

  • Bandura, A., & Walters, R. H. (1977). Social learning theory (1 vol.). Englewood cliffs.

  • Black, D. W., Shaw, M., Coryell, W., Crowe, R., McCormick, B., & Allen, J. (2015). Age at onset of DSM-IV pathological gambling in a non-treatment sample: Early- versus later-onset. Compr Psychiatry Jul, 60, 40–46. Epub 2015 Apr 20. PMID: 25956751; PMCID: PMC4459896.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bornstein, R. F. (1989). Exposure and affect: Overview and meta-analysis of research, 1968–1987. Psychological Bulletin, 106(2), 265.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, J. D., & Walsh-Childers, K. (2002). Effects of media on personal and public health. Media effects (pp. 463–498). Routledge.

  • Byrne, B. M. (2013). Structural equation modeling with Mplus: Basic concepts, applications, and programming. routledge.

  • Caldeira, K. M., Arria, A. M., O’Grady, K. E., Vincent, K. B., Robertson, C., & Welsh, C. J. (2017). Risk factors for gambling and substance use among recent college students. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 179, 280–290.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Casey, L. M., Oei, T. P. S., Melville, M. K., Bourke, E., & Newcombe, P. A. (2008). Measuring self-efficacy in gambling: The gambling refusal self-efficacy questionnaire. Journal of Gambling Studies, 24, 229–246.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chin, W. W. (1998). The partial least squares approach to structural equation modeling. Modern Methods for Business Research, 295(2), 295–336.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cowlishaw, S., Gale, L., Gregory, A., McCambridge, J., & Kessler, D. (2017). Gambling problems among patients in primary care: A cross-sectional study of general practices. British Journal of General Practice, 67(657), e274–e279.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Derevensky, J., & Gupta, R. (2004). Adolescents with gambling problems: A synopsis of our current knowledge (p. 10). Electronic Journal of Gambling Issues.

  • Dimock, M. (2019). Defining generations: Where millennials end and generation Z begins. Pew Research Center, 17(1), 1–7.

    Google Scholar 

  • Donati, M. A., Chiesi, F., & Primi, C. (2013). A model to explain at-risk/problem gambling among male and female adolescents: Gender similarities and differences. Journal of Adolescence, 36(1), 129–137.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fishbein, M., & Ajzen, I. (2010). Predicting and changing behavior: The reasoned action approach. Psychology Press.

  • Flores-Pajot, M. C., Atif, S., Dufour, M., Brunelle, N., Currie, S. R., Hodgins, D. C., Nadeau, L., & Young, M. M. (2021). Gambling self-control strategies: A qualitative analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

  • Griffiths, M. D., & Parke, J. (2021). Adolescent gambling on the internet: A review. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 22(1).

  • Hair, J. F., Sarstedt, M., Ringle, C. M., & Mena, J. A. (2012). An assessment of the use of partial least squares structural equation modeling in marketing research. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 40(3), 414–433.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hair, J. F. Jr., Hult, G. T. M., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2021). A primer on partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Sage publications.

  • Hardoon, K. K., Gupta, R., & Derevensky, J. L. (2004). Psychosocial variables associated with adolescent gambling. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 18(2), 170–179. https://doi.org/10.1037/0893-164X.18.2.170.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hensler, J., Ringle, C. M., & Sinkowics, R. R. (2009). Structural Equation Modeling in International Marketing with partial least squares path modeling. Advances in International Marketing, 20, 277–319.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hing, N., Lamont, M., Vitartas, P., & Fink, E. (2015). Sports-embedded gambling promotions: A study of exposure, sports betting intention and problem gambling amongst adults. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 13(1), 115–135.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Houghton, D. M., Nowlin, E. L., & Walker, D. (2019). From fantasy to reality: The role of fantasy sports in sports betting and online gambling. Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, 38(3), 332–353.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kassinove, J. I. (1998). Development of the Gambling attitude scales: Preliminary findings. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 54(6), 763–771.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kessler, R. C., Hwang, I., LaBrie, R., Petukhova, M., Sampson, N. A., Winters, K. C., & Shaffer, H. J. (2008). DSM-IV pathological gambling in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Psychological Medicine, 38(9), 1351–1360.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Kline, R. B. (2015). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling. Guilford publications.

  • Larimer, M. E., & Neighbors, C. (2003). Normative misperception and the impact of descriptive and injunctive norms on college student gambling. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 17(3), 235.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, C. K., Song, H. J., Bendle, L. J., Kim, M. J., & Han, H. (2012). The impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions for 2009 H1N1 Influenza on travel intentions: A model of goal-directed behavior. Tourism Management, 33(1), 89–99.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, J., Chen, C. C., Song, H. J., & Lee, C. K. (2014). The role of responsible gambling strategy and gambling passion in the online gamblers’ decision-making process: Revising the theory of planned behavior. Journal of Gambling Studies, 30(2), 403–422.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • León-Jariego, J. C., Parrado-González, A., & Ojea-Rodríguez, F. J. (2020). Behavioral intention to gamble among adolescents: Differences between gamblers and non-gamblers—Prevention recommendations. Journal of Gambling Studies, 36(2), 555–572.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Li, E., Langham, E., Browne, M., Rockloff, M., & Thorne, H. (2018). Gambling and Sport: Implicit Association and Explicit Intention among Underage Youth. Journal of Gambling Studies, 34(3), 739–756. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-018-9756-0.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Manoso, V., Labrador, F. J., & Fernandez-Alba, A. (2004). Differences on cognitive distortions during gambling in pathological gamblers and non-gamblers. PSICOTHEMA-OVIEDO, 16(4), 576–581.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martin, R. J., Usdan, S., Nelson, S., Umstattd, M. R., LaPlante, D., Perko, M., et al. (2010). Using the theory of planned behavior to predict gambling behavior. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 24, 89–97.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Martin, R. J., Nelson, S. E., Gallucci, A. R., & Lee, J. G. (2018). Daily and season-long fantasy sports participation and gambling-related problems among a sample of college students at three universities. International Gambling Studies, 18(3), 395–407.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mills, D. J., Li Anthony, W., & Nower, L. (2021). General motivations, basic psychological needs, and problem gambling: Applying the framework of self-determination theory. Addiction Research & Theory, 29(2), 175–182.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moore, S. M., & Ohtsuka, K. (1997). Gambling activities of young australians: Developing a model of behavior. Journal of Gambling Studies, 13(3), 207–236.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moore, S. M., & Ohtsuka, K. (1999). The prediction of gambling behavior and problem gambling from attitudes and perceived norms. Social Behavior and Personality: An International Journal, 27(5), 455–466.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • NCPG – National Council on Problem Gambling (2021, August 05). What Is Problem Gambling? Retrieved from https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/faq.

  • Neighbors, C., Lostutter, T. W., Cronce, J. M., & Larimer, M. E. (2002). Exploring college student gambling motivation. Journal of Gambling Studies, 18(4), 361–370.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Neighbors, C., Lostutter, T. W., Whiteside, U., Fossos, N., Walker, D. D., & Larimer, M. E. (2007). Injunctive norms and problem gambling among college students. Journal of Gambling Studies, 23(3), 259–273.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, T. F., LaBrie, R. A., LaPlante, D. A., Stanton, M., Shaffer, H. J., & Wechsler, H. (2007). Sports betting and other gambling in athletes, fans, and other college students. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 78(4), 271–283.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nowak, D. E. (2018). A meta-analytical synthesis and examination of pathological and problem gambling rates and associated moderators among college students, 1987–2016. Journal of Gambling Studies, 34(2), 465–498.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nower, L., & Blaszczynski, A. (2010). Gambling motivations, money-limiting strategies, and precommitment preferences of problem versus non-problem gamblers. Journal of Gambling Studies, 26(3), 361–372.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Oei, T. P. S., Lin, C. D., & Raylu, N. (2008). The relationship between gambling cognitions, psychological states, and gambling: A cross-cultural study of Chinese and caucasians in Australia. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 39, 147–161.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oh, H., & Lee, H. (2011). CSR in the gambling industry: From managing social costs to creating social value. Journal of Business Ethics, 104(1), 143–155. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-011-0902-2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Petry, N. M., Zajac, K., & Ginley, M. K. (2018). Behavioral addictions as mental disorders: To be or not to be? Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 14, 399.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Raylu, N., & Oei, T. P. (2002). Pathological gambling: A comprehensive review. Clinical Psychology Review, 22(7), 1009–1061.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Richter, F. (2023, February 17). Infographic: The State(s) of sports betting in the U.S. Statista Infographics. Retrieved February 27, 2023, from https://www.statista.com/chart/29335/legal-status-of-sports-betting-in-us-states/?utm_source=Statista%2BNewsletters&utm_campaign=6497280bf3-All_InfographTicker_daily_COM_PM_KW7_2023_Fri&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_662f7ed75e-6497280bf3-315177477.

  • Rodriguez, L. M., Neighbors, C., Rinker, D. V., & Tackett, J. L. (2015). Motivational profiles of gambling behavior: Self-determination theory, gambling motives, and gambling behavior. Journal of Gambling Studies, 31(4), 1597–1615.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sarstedt, M., Henseler, J., & Ringle, C. M. (2011). Multigroup analysis in partial least squares (PLS) path modeling: Alternative methods and empirical results. Measurement and research methods in international marketing. Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

  • Sarstedt, M., Ringle, C. M., Smith, D., Reams, R., & Hair, J. F. Jr. (2014). Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM): A useful tool for family business researchers. Journal of Family Business Strategy, 5(1), 105–115.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Song, H. J., Lee, H. M., & Lee, J. Y. (2012). Investigating the role of responsible gambling strategy in perspective employees. International Journal of Tourism Sciences, 12(2), 107–126.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • St-Pierre, R. A., Temcheff, C. E., Derevensky, J. L., & Gupta, R. (2015). Theory of planned behavior in school-based adolescent problem gambling prevention: A conceptual framework. The Journal of Primary Prevention, 36(6), 361–385.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stucki, S., & Rihs-Middel, M. (2007). Prevalence of adult problem and pathological gambling between 2000 and 2005: An update. Journal of Gambling Studies, 23(3), 245–257.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tao, V. Y. K., Wu, A. M. S., Cheung, S. F., & Tong, K. K. (2011). Development of an indigenous inventory GMAB (gambling motives, attitudes and behaviors) for Chinese gamblers: An exploratory study. Journal of Gambling Studies, 27(1), 99–113.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • UK Gambling Commission. (2017). Gambling participation in 2016: Behavior. Awareness and attitudes. Gambling Commission: Birmingham, UK.

  • Wang, X., Won, D., & Jeon, H. S. (2021). Predictors of sports gambling among college students: The role of the theory of planned behavior and problem gambling severity. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 1803.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Watts, D. (2021). Mindfulness, mental health and FPL in a season of disruption and variance. Fantasy Football Scout.

  • Wilkins, L., Dowsett, R., Zaborski, Z., Scoles, L., & Allen, P. (2021). Exploring the mental health of individuals who play fantasy football. Human Behavior and Emerging Technology, 3, 1004–1022.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu, A. M. S., & Tang, C. S. (2012). Problem gambling of Chinese college students: Application of the theory of planned behavior. Journal of Gambling Studies, 28, 315–324.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

There is no funding received for this study.

Author information

Author notes

  1. All authors contributed equally.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. SP Jain School of Global Management, Vancouver, Canada

    Christopher Kape

  2. SP Jain School of Global Management, Sydney, Australia

    Nicolas Hamelin

  3. SP Jain School of Global Management, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Christopher Abraham

Authors
  1. Christopher Kape
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Nicolas Hamelin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Christopher Abraham
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Christopher Kape.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

Authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Kape, C., Hamelin, N. & Abraham, C. Sports Gambling Intention Comparison Between Males and Females in the United States. J Gambl Stud (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-023-10259-2

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-023-10259-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation