What are Key Predictors of Illegal Online Gambling of Youth Probationers in South Korea?

• In Event: Exploring Cyber Offending Pathways: Motivations, Traits, and Tactics

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the crucial factors thar are related to illegal online gambling among youth probationers in South Korea. The total amount for the illegal online gambling wagered reached 3.7 billion won ($2.64 million), with an average bet of 780,000 won per person. Of the 4,715 underage violators, 1,733 were referred to professional counseling services, according to the Korean National Police. In this context, the present study conducted a survey toward 113 adolescents from 1 to 15 November 2022 through online questionnaire survey with the help of youth probation officers. In order to find out key factors that are associated with gambling problems of the young probationers, the current study utilized multiple regression analysis. The result demonstrated that adolescents under probation were more likely to experience problematic gambling behaviors when they had runaway situation from their home and when they had financial instability when other variables were controlled. The significance and limitations of this study were discussed in detail in the conclusion.

Author

• Younoh Cho, Dongguk University-Seoul