Identifying the Socio-Emotional and Mental Health Correlates of Online Sports Betting Among Late Adolescent Boys.

INTRODUCTION

Online sports betting is emerging as a novel form of gambling, particularly popular among late adolescent boys, ages 18-25. While the socioemotional determinants of traditional forms of gambling are generally understood, less is known about how these correlate with online sports betting behavior and whether online sports betting recency relate to mental health outcomes.

METHODS

Online questionnaires were used to assess late adolescent boys' social lives, emotional functioning, mental health, and online sports betting behavior.

RESULTS

Path analysis reveal that college enrollment, participation in social gaming, and higher life satisfaction were related to more recent online sports betting. Online sports betting recency was not related but depression or anxiety symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

With nearly half (47%) having participated, online sports betting was highly prevalent. Several key social and emotion factors are related to online sports betting recency among late adolescent boys. Contrary to expectations, there were no links with depression or anxiety.