Part of the Game? Exploring the Prevalence and Normalization of Gambling in Belgian Sports Clubs

Gambling and sports are entangled in a close relationship. However, little remains known about gambling behaviors and perceptions in sports. Drawing on normalization theory, this study explores the prevalence and predictors of problem gambling as well as the normalization of gambling (including its availability and accessibility, prevalence, and socio-cultural accommodation) in sports clubs. A cross-sectional study design was implemented, based on an online survey completed by 817 Belgian sports club actors. This survey consisted of the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) and questions abou... Mehr ...

Verfasser: Bram Constandt
Johan Rosiers
Jolien Moernaut
Stef Van Der Hoeven
Annick Willem
Dokumenttyp: Artikel
Erscheinungsdatum: 2022
Reihe/Periodikum: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Vol 19, Iss 6527, p 6527 (2022)
Verlag/Hrsg.: MDPI AG
Schlagwörter: gamblification of sports / gambling / gambling education / gambling harm / normalization / problem gambling / Medicine / R
Sprache: Englisch
Permalink: https://search.fid-benelux.de/Record/base-26924383
Datenquelle: BASE; Originalkatalog
Powered By: BASE
Link(s) : https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116527

Gambling and sports are entangled in a close relationship. However, little remains known about gambling behaviors and perceptions in sports. Drawing on normalization theory, this study explores the prevalence and predictors of problem gambling as well as the normalization of gambling (including its availability and accessibility, prevalence, and socio-cultural accommodation) in sports clubs. A cross-sectional study design was implemented, based on an online survey completed by 817 Belgian sports club actors. This survey consisted of the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) and questions about personal and socio-cultural factors regarding gambling. Data were analyzed with SPSS 26 software, using descriptive statistics and an ordinal logistic regression analysis. These analyses exposed being male, being aged 26–35 years old, and being involved in football (soccer) as factors that might be linked with higher levels of problem gambling in sports. Furthermore, sports betting is especially shown to be normalized in sports clubs given its prevalence, and its frequently organized and discussed character. Moreover, respondents disclosed a lack of formal rules (96%) and education initiatives (98.7%) on gambling in their sports club. Given the indicated support for gambling regulations and educational measures, this study may inform sports organizations about how to help denormalize gambling.