AN EVALUATION OF THE NEXUS BETWEEN GAMBLING ADDICTION AND CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR AMONG YOUTH IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF YOUTH IN IKORODU, LAGOS STATE)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Gambling is an activity that has been found to have significant negative impacts on the health, study habits, and educational achievements of individuals who engage in it. Additionally, it has been linked to some criminal activities (Oyebisi, Alao & Popoola, 2018). The term ‘gambling’ is commonly defined as the act of placing a bet or wager, usually involving money or something of value, on an event with an uncertain outcome, in the hopes of winning money or material possessions (Potenza, Fiellin, Heninger, Rounsaville, & Mazure, 2022). Traditionally, gambling include activities such as betting, auctions, card games, gaming, sports betting, video games, and online card and casino games (Potenza et al., 2018). According to Moore et al. (2019), young adults and college teachers represent a demographic that is particularly susceptible to gambling addiction. There is a notable occurrence of gambling participation and problematic gambling among different college groups, particularly in surveys conducted among high-income individuals (Etel, Tabchi, Bou Khalil, Hlais & , 2018). Since more forms of gambling have been made legal by new regulations, the gaming business has grown quickly. However, Vacek (2021) asserts that while gambling in all its manifestations has existed throughout recorded history, a thorough examination of the subject is a relatively new development, spurred by the return of legalized gambling in the United States throughout the 1980s and 1990s. SeveraL advertisements have drawn a lot of young people into gambling, claims Newall (2019).s Additionally, gambling particularly, sport betting has become a commonplace element of everyday existence in Nigeria, and its broad acceptance is noticeable through the abundance of betting shops that can be found on nearly every street across the nation. Kolewole (2016) defines betting as the act of placing a bet with money or a valuable possession on a horse race, or any other race, fight, sport, game, lottery, or other exercise, either on one's own behalf or on behalf of another. Also, the Productivity commission (PC) (2020) describe betting as an activity in which the chance to exchange one's wealth depends on the outcome of a future event that is unknown at the time of the wager. Moreover, sports betting has undergone various transformations over the years, manifesting in diverse forms. As indicated by Binde (2019), these encompass slot machines, electronic gaming machines (EGM), random digit generating machines (RDGs), lotteries, and wagering on diverse sports events, including horse racing, fights, football games, baseball, rugby, and even political events. Additionally, gambling, especially when fueled by the desire for financial gain, can become addictive. Also, youths may find it challenging to control their gambling habits, leading to a cycle of compulsive and criminal behavior(Allagh, 2019). Gambling has both positive and negative socioeconomic effects. On one hand, it generates revenue for the government through taxation. On the other hand, issues like addiction and financial strain can have adverse effects on individuals and communities. Gambling practices intersect with cultural values in Nigeria. While traditional forms of betting have historical roots, the rapid expansion of modern gambling raises questions about cultural compatibility and potential conflicts. However, there is a growing awareness of the potential risks associated with gambling. Efforts are being made to promote responsible gambling behavior and educate the public about the consequences of excessive wagering. Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to evaluate the nexus between gambling addiction and criminal behavior amongst youth in Ikorodu, Lagos state.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Gambling is commonly perceived as a socially acceptable kind of recreation (Stucki and Rihs-Middel, 2019). Although gambling may bring enjoyment to some individuals, it can also become addicted and harmful, leading to significant negative consequences (Meyer, Hayer, & Griffiths, 2019). These factors include bankruptcy, unemployment, broken homes, substance misuse and addiction, as well as depression. However, the widespread availability of gambling and the legality of its promotion have been seen as significant public health and addiction issues. (Corn and Shaffer, 2018). There has been a notable rise in the occurrence of disordered gambling among young individuals, particularly students in Nigeria's secondary and postsecondary educational institution. Similarly, the prevalence of gambling among youths in Nigeria has become a significant concern, leading to different associated consequences. The proliferation of gambling  and criminal activities  has captivated the interest of young individuals nationwide. Nevertheless, gambling is prevalent across all age groups, but Nigerian youths are especially susceptible. This vulnerability arises from the fact that attending university often marks their initial separation from their families, resulting in fewer limitations on their actions (Shaffer, Donato, LaBrie, Kidman, LaPlante, 2019). Furthermore, researchers have found that this specific sector of the population has a gambling rate that is three times higher than that of adults in the general population, and they also have one of the highest rates of problem and compulsive gambling compared to any other segment of the community. Moreover, the excitement and potential danger linked to gambling might have psychological repercussions for young persons. Losses can potentially result in worry, anxiety, and in severe instances, contribute to mental health disorders. Additionally, Watson (2019) asserts that engaging in excessive gambling can result in social isolation as individuals may choose gambling activities over social contacts. The concern with gambling can negatively impact relationships with family and friends. Moreover, research has shown that over 67% of Nigerian youths engage in sports betting by spending their school fees or daily allowance/income (Weinstock, Whelan, Meyers, & Watson, 2019). Therefore, it is imperative not to disregard the issue of youths engaging in gambling due to its detrimental impact on the behaviour of youths and society as a whole. This topic has garnered significant attention throughout Nigeria.Hence, it is in the light of these that the study seeks to evaluate the nexus between gambling addiction and criminal behavior amongst youth in Ikorodu, Lagos state.

 1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is boarded on the nexus between gambling addiction and criminal behavior amongst youth in Ikorodu, Lagos state. Specifically, the study will;

Determine the level of  gambling activities among youths in Ikorodu, Lagos state.

Determine the factors contributing to gambling addiction and criminal behavior amongst youth in Ikorodu, Lagos state.

Determine whether there is a significant relationship between gambling addiction and criminal behavior amongst youth in Ikorodu, Lagos state.

1.4  Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

What is the extent of gambling activities among youths in Ikorodu, Lagos state?

What are the factors contributing to gambling addiction and criminal behavior amongst youth in Ikorodu, Lagos state?

Is there a significant relationship between gambling addiction and criminal behavior amongst youth in Ikorodu, Lagos state?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0: There is no significant relationship between gambling addiction and criminal behavior among youth in Ikorodu, Lagos state.

Ha: There is a significant relationship between gambling addiction and criminal behavior among youth in Ikorodu, Lagos state.

 Significance of the Study

The study will assist the government in creating sustainable and respectable sources of income, thereby discouraging young individuals from resorting to gambling and criminal activities as a means of earning money. Moreover, it will allow policymakers to ensure that gambling enterprises adhere to a specific set of regulations, which may include the implementation of legislation to control gambling marketing in the media in order to limit their influence on young people.Additionally, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard to the nexus between gambling addiction and criminal behavior amongst youth in Ikorodu, Lagos state.

1.6 Scope of the study   

The scope of this study is boarded on the nexus between gambling addiction and criminal behavior amongst youth in Ikorodu, Lagos state. Empirically, this study will determine the level of  gambling activities among youths, the factors contributing to gambling addiction and criminal behavior amongst youth and whether there is a significant relationship between gambling addiction and criminal behavior amongst youth in Ikorodu, Lagos state.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to youths of  Ikorudu LGA, Lagos state, Nigeria.

1.7 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. 

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

 1.9 Definition of Terms

Gambling: is the betting or staking of something of value, with consciousness of risk and hope of gain, on the outcome of a game.

Criminal behavior: refers to actions that violate the law and are subject to legal punishment.

Gambling addiction: also known as compulsive gambling or gambling disorder, refers to a persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior that leads to significant distress or impairment.

Youth:  an individual between the age of 18years to 40 years.

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