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Full citation
Peltzer, K., & Pengpid, S. (2014). Gambling behaviour and psychosocial correlates among university students in 23 low, middle and emerging economy countries. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 5(27), 1086–1094. https://doi.org/10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p1086
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Region & Target Population
- Region: 23 countries across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and South America
- Target population: University students
Study Design
Large multi-country cross-sectional survey.
Sample Characteristics (with year collected)
- N = 20,000+ university students across 23 countries.
- Data collected between 2010–2012 as part of an international student health project.
- Mean age= 20.9, SD = 2.9 → majority fall within 18–24.
Measures Used
- Gambling frequency (past-week, past-month).
- Alcohol, tobacco, drug use.
- Psychosocial wellbeing.
Research Question
What is the prevalence of gambling among university-aged emerging adults in low- and middle-income countries, and what demographic and psychosocial factors predict weekly gambling?
Key Findings
- 27.1% gambled less than once a week.
- 8.4% gambled once a week or more.
- Weekly gambling: 13.9% of men whereas 4.4% of women
- Higher gambling linked to substance use and psychosocial stress.
Study Conclusion
This is the largest multi-country assessment of emerging-adult gambling in LMIC settings and shows that gambling is far from a Western-only phenomenon. Although weekly gambling averages around 8%, male students in several countries show double-digit weekly gambling rates. The study highlights how gambling prevalence in LMIC contexts is shaped by a mix of modernization, increasing online access, and local cultural norms. It confirms that 18–24-year olds in developing regions engage in gambling at substantial levels, often alongside alcohol and tobacco use, underscoring the need for youth-specific prevention strategies in countries where gambling regulation is evolving rapidly.
