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Full citation
Daniel, O. J., Dangana, A. L., Ige, O. M., Kampmann, B., Mohammed, T., & Femi-Akinlosotu, O. (2025). Prevalence, patterns, correlates, and academic consequences of sports betting among Nigerian undergraduates. Discover Social Science and Health, 5, 25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-025-00214-5
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Region & Target Population
- Region: Nigeria
- Target population; Undergraduates aged 18–24.
Study Design
Cross-sectional university survey.
Sample Characteristics (with year collected)
- Sample size: approx. N = 600
- Data collected in 2023–2024.
Measures Used
- Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI).
- Sports betting frequency and expenditure.
- Academic performance correlates.
Research Question
How prevalent is sports betting among Nigerian emerging adults, and what proportion show signs of problem gambling?
Key Findings
- 30.3% reported past-year betting.
- 14.3% met criteria for problem gambling.
- 47.2% of past-year bettors qualified as problem gamblers.
- Sports betting strongly associated with academic difficulties.
Study Conclusion
This study reveals alarmingly high rates of problem gambling among young adults in Nigeria, driven largely by the aggressive expansion of mobile sports betting. Nearly half of all students who bet in the last year meet criteria for problem gambling, one of the highest young-adult prevalence figures globally. Findings show the intersection between sports enthusiasm, online accessibility, and inadequate regulation in LMIC contexts. Emerging adulthood in Nigeria represents a high-risk, high-exposure period, where educational trajectories and financial stability may be undermined by gambling harm.
