Gambling Problems among Students Attending University in the United Kingdom: Associations with Gender, Financial Hardship and Year of Study

Abstract

University students may be at increased risk of gambling related problems. The present study investigated the gambling experience and general wellbeing of domestic and international students attending a higher-education university in the United Kingdom (UK). An online survey consisting of demographic characteristics, gambling experience, problem gambling severity, and general mental health measures was completed by n=402 undergraduates. Results indicated that 44% of students engaged in at-risk gambling and 6% in PG. General mental health scores did not differ across gambling severity. Male gender identity was a significant risk-factor for both at-risk and PG. Accessing university financial hardship funds and being in the final year of study were significant risk-factors for problem gambling. Overall, gambling problems are significant concerns for UK university students and the risk of problematic gambling is associated with financial hardship, year of study, and gender.