Impacts of Sporty-Bet on the Lifestyle of Adolescents in Agbowo Community

Abstract
Sports betting has become an integral part of adolescent lifestyles, particularly in urban areas where digital platforms facilitate easy access. The rise of online betting platforms like Sporty-bet has increased gambling participation among adolescents, raising concerns about its socioeconomic and psychological effects. Existing literature has largely focused on adult gambling behavior, with limited attention to adolescents, especially in the Agbowo community, Ibadan. This study, therefore, investigates the prevalence of sports betting among adolescents, the role of socialization and peer influence, the impact of substance use, and the role of digital platforms in facilitating gambling behavior.
A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design, and data were collected through surveys and in-depth interviews. A total of 375 adolescent respondents were selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Statistical analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests at p≤0.05, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically.
The respondents’ mean age was 17.2±1.4 years, with 96.53% being male. The study found that sports betting was prevalent among adolescents in Agbowo, with 7.2% betting daily and 32.53% betting weekly. Peer influence significantly contributed to frequent betting, as those exposed to peer pressure were more likely to gamble. Substance use also correlated with higher betting frequency, with 44.12% of substance users betting weekly compared to 32.28% of non-users. Social media exposure doubled the likelihood of daily betting (10.4% vs. 5.1% for non-users), reinforcing the role of digital platforms in shaping gambling behaviors. Additionally, the study revealed that adolescents who engaged in betting experienced financial strain, academic decline, and psychological stress, highlighting the broader social and economic consequences of sports betting.
Findings suggest that socio-demographic factors, peer influence, and social media exposure significantly impact adolescent betting behaviors. Given the risks associated with adolescent gambling, there is a need for regulatory measures to limit youth access to betting platforms, educational campaigns to raise awareness of gambling-related risks, and targeted interventions to reduce peer and media influence on gambling behaviors.
Keywords: Sports betting, Adolescents, Peer pressure, Digital platforms, Rational Choice Theory
Word count: 352