Gambling behavior of young adults: A basis for an intervention program

This study was an attempt to determine the level of gambling behavior of young adults. It also looked into the possible causes and factors that contribute to the development of gambling behavior. The descriptive method was used as the research design. The South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) and a checklist were used to assess the level of gambling behavior and to know the possible factors respectively. Responses were obtained from a total of one hundred fourteen (114) males and seventy-five (75) females. The data were treated and analyzed using relative frequency and chi-square. The results of the study showed that the majority of the respondents were males in the age bracket of 21-25 years old, unemployed and had a monthly income or allowance of PhP 1,000-5,000. Moreover, most of the respondents were college students and college graduates. As assessed by SOGS, 84 or 45% were Non-Problem Gamblers, while 82 or 43% were Probable Pathological Gamblers. Twenty-three (23) or 12% were In-Transition Gamblers. The factors that greatly contribute to the development of gambling behavior are attributed to financial, family and conduct problems, early big win and problems with alcohol or other drugs, gambling or overspending. The profiles showed significant difference on their level of gambling behavior when grouped according to age, sex, educational attainment, monthly income or allowance and occupation. However they were not found to have any difference in their level of gambling behavior when grouped according to civil status. An intervention program that includes information dissemination, seminars about problem gambling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and others was proposed to help the young adults to minimize their gambling activity.