Online Sports Betting and Demographic Factors' Effects on Student-Athletes' Mental Health

Purpose: The objective of the study was to determine how the interaction between the volume of online sports betting and the demographic factors affects how student-athletes perceive the repercussions on their mental health. Methodology: Cross-sectional survey research was used for this study. Thirty-eight universities both public and private were sampled. Self-reporting questionnaires, key interview schedules and an observation plan were all used by the researcher. With the help of the SPSS version 25 programme, the data were coded and examined. Testing the impact of demographic factors on the connection between dependent and independent variables involved regression analysis with an interaction effect. The link between the independent variables was investigated using correlation analysis. Data was presented in form of tables and figures. Findings: The findings demonstrate a substantial and positive correlation between the level of gambling and mental health (r = 0.411, P>0.0001). The findings of the regression of coefficients showed a positive and significant relationship between the severity of gambling and students' mental wellness (r = 0.576, P>0.0001). The R1 Squared value was greater than 0.169 (without interaction) at 010.731 (with demographic factors interaction). The interaction impact of the demographic parameters was significant (p-value = 0.012). Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This suggests that the association between the intensity of gambling and mental wellness is significantly influenced by the combination of demographic factors. According to study, regular bettors are more likely to attempt or commit suicide because they are more prone to feel anger, rage, and guilt after suffering significant losses. Particularly when students are under stress, this is true. Online sports betting has also been linked to high levels of addiction, just like alcohol, drugs, and items related to smoking.