Socio-psychological consequences of sport betting (case study: university students at Rasht)

The prevalence of sport betting in the northern part of Iran has changed this activity into a social problem. The excessive and pathological involvement of young people may bring about serious personal and social consequences. The main aim of the present study was to identify the socio-psychological problems resulting from the involvement at sport betting. In doing so, a sample of students studying at different universities in Rasht city was selected to examine the socio-psychological consequences of sport betting. The questionnaire was composed of following scales: the desire for sport betting and its actual rate, typology of sport betters, anxiety and depression, social isolation, suicidal tendencies, and family, educational and jobrelated problems. The results indicated that the main factors contributing to the respondents’ involvement at sport betting are: peer group, the neighborhood, and mass media. Compared to normal sport better, those who are pathological sport betters suffer more from anxiety, stress, social isolation, and higher rate of smoking and alcoholism. In addition, a significant relationship was found between the socialization and the actual rate of betting and the extent of desire to it. It also was found that People who are from an early age, have low income levels, single and also have a bachelor's degree level, reported more pathological sport gamblingbehavior.