FAMILY-RELATED FACTORS AND GAMBLING ATTITUDES AMONG UNDERGRADUATES: A QUANTITATIVE STUDY.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the influence of family-related factors on gambling attitudes among undergraduates at Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Nigeria, employing a quantitative descriptive survey design. A stratified random sample of 200 undergraduates from diverse faculties and academic levels completed a structured questionnaire assessing family economic status, family structure, parental attitudes, and gambling behaviors. Findings revealed that 60% of respondents had engaged in gambling, with sports betting being predominant. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.465, p < 0.01) was found between parental gambling habits and students’ favorable gambling attitudes, while family income showed a negative correlation (r = -0.276, p < 0.01), indicating higher gambling tendencies among students from low-income households. Single-parent households were associated with increased gambling risks (mean = 2.80), whereas stable family environments and parental disapproval deterred gambling (means = 2.86 and 2.88, respectively). Regression analysis indicated that family-related factors explain 24.8% of the variance in gambling attitudes. Awareness programs and counseling were perceived as effective interventions (mean = 2.76). The study underscores the critical role of family dynamics in shaping gambling attitudes and recommends enhanced parental involvement, university counseling, and stricter regulations on gambling platforms to mitigate this issue among Nigerian undergraduates.