Gambling behavior of student-athletes and a student cohort: what are the odds?
This study investigated the prevalence of gambling, gambling related NCAA violations, and disordered gambling in student-athletes (n = 736) with a comparison cohort of students (n = 1,071) at four universities. Student-athletes reported similar rates of gambling frequency, use of a bookmaker, and disordered gambling as students. After accounting for demographic differences, student-athletes were less likely to engage in sports wagering than students. Several risk factors for disordered gambling were identified, including being male and reporting at least one parent with a history of gambling problems. These findings suggest that problems associated with gambling are a university-wide issue with student-athletes meriting additional attention because of implications for the integrity of intercollegiate sports. Improved prevention and intervention efforts for collegiate gambling are recommended.
Weinstock
Jeremiah
J
Department of Psychiatry - MC 3944, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-3944, USA. Weinstock@psychiatry.uchc.edu
Whelan
James P
JP
Meyers
Andrew W
AW
Watson
Jennifer M
JM
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015331:Cohort Studies; D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D009505:Nevada; D015995:Prevalence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012309:Risk-Taking; D013177:Sports; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities