The roles of nicotine dependence and demographic variables on internet gambling addiction among youths in a Nigerian City

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship among nicotine dependence, demographic variables and Internet gambling addiction. It was a  survey, utilizing ex-post facto design. A total of 291 youths (156 males and 135 females) were purposively selected from major joints and sit-outs in the Metropolis of the ancient city of Ikot Ekpene. Simple Screening Instrument for Internet Gambling Test Adopted from South Oaks Gambling Screen (Gainsbury & Blaszczynski, 2014) and The Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (Shiffman, Waters & Hickcox, 2004) were used to collect data. Pearson r results [r= .71; df = 289; p<.05] showed that the higher the nicotine dependence the higher the Internet gambling addiction among youths selected. The results further showed that demographic factors jointly predicted Internet  gambling addiction among youths [R=0.356; R²=.031; F(5, 189)=.34, p<.05] accounting for 31% of the variance observed. It was concluded that a good understanding of the relationship between nicotine intake and Internet gambling is important for developing regulatory  initiatives, awareness, and prevention programmes for responsible Internet use.