Digital Dice: Unpacking the Psychological and Sociodemographic Predictors of Online Gambling Among University Students

Özkan A. O., Güneş Y., Akdeniz F., Cebeci F., Karaman M., Artan T.

JOURNAL OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENCE (YUKSEKOGRETIM VE BILIM DERGISI), vol.15, no.1, pp.82-91, 2026 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)

Abstract

This study examines the psychological, sociodemographic, and value-based correlates of online gambling addiction among university students. Specifically, the research explores how material values (happiness and success), psychological resilience, and behavioral experi ences influence the “addiction” subdimension of the Online Gambling Addiction Scale (OGAS). A total of 415 undergraduate students participated in the study using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected via self-report instruments including the OGAS, the Material Values Scale (MVS), and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). Descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests, Spearman’s correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. The results revealed that motivation and negative psychological states were the strongest predictors of online gambling addiction. While the “happiness” subdimension of material values had a weak but significant pre dictive effect, the “centrality and success” dimension and psychological resilience were not significant predictors. Furthermore, male gen der, smoking and alcohol use, and having close social contacts involved in online gambling were associated with higher addiction scores. The findings suggest that online gambling among university students is reinforced not only by individual psychological vulnerabilities but also by value orientations and environmental factors. This study offers insights for the development of targeted psychoeducational and preventive interventions that address material values and enhance emotional resilience.