Why do Youths have Gambling Addiction Problems in South Korea?

• In Event: Prevalence and Trends in Juvenile Crime and Risky Behavior

Abstract

This study aims at examing the prevalence of youth problem gambling and the root causes of the youth gambling addicition. The main 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 conducts 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 will utilize multiple regression analysis. The result demonstrates that adolescents under probation are 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.Further policy implications will be discussed.

Author

• YOUNOH CHO, DONGGUK UNIVERSITY