Social predictors of sports betting among youths in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

Background. Sports betting has been shown to be escalating among youths in developing countries. However, there is still insufficient information on the predictors of sports betting among this particular social group. The aim of this study was to examine social predictors of sports betting among youths in Ilorin, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. Material and methods. A cross-sectional community survey was conducted among 470 youths from Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Social predictors of sports betting (SPSB) were evaluated using a 23-item questionnaire consisting of three parts: Part I - socio-demographic variables (age, gender, employment status); Part II –items on sports betting engagement (SBE); and Part III - items on family influence, peer influence, and media influence. Frequency and percentage, the phi coefficient, and binary logistic regression were used for analyses. Results. The findings revealed a weak relationship between sports betting and family influence (=.218); a moderate relationship between sports betting and peer influence (=.523), and a moderate relationship between sports betting and media influence (=.559). Gender and employment status were significantly associated with sports betting (p < .05). Conclusion. The study showed that family influence, peer influence, media influence, and employment status were predictors of sports betting among Nigerian youths. Gambling regulatory bodies, parents, educators, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should sensitize young people on the dangers of engaging in sports betting as a sustainable source of income.