Abstract
Purpose: Student gambling has become a significant public health concern, with rising prevalence and increasing vulnerability to associated harms among young people. This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of the literature on the motivations, risk factors, and policy and regulatory measures related to student gambling.
Design/Methodology/Approach: This study employed a mixed-methods approach combining bibliometric analysis and qualitative content analysis of 112 peer-reviewed articles retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and ScienceDirect, following the PRISMA protocol.
Research Limitation: The review is restricted to English-language peer-reviewed journal articles retrieved from four databases, which may exclude relevant grey literature, non-English scholarship, and emerging regional research.
Findings: Existing research predominantly focuses on sociological and psychological dimensions of gambling. Four major motivations for student gambling were identified: financial pressures, fun and excitement, the pursuit of status or easy money, and peer influence. Key risk factors include social and environmental determinants, economic and socioeconomic vulnerabilities, accessibility and exposure to gambling platforms, and student-specific situational and contextual conditions. The review also highlights several policy and regulatory responses, including evolving legal frameworks, controls on advertising and access, institutional governance strategies, and lessons from international regulatory models.
Practical Implication: The findings inform universities and policymakers to embed gambling awareness and financial literacy into student curricula, counselling services, and orientation programmes. It also strengthens digital age-verification systems and restricts gambling advertising near campuses.
Social Implication: Addressing peer-driven normalisation of gambling and providing targeted support for financially vulnerable and socially isolated students can reduce disproportionate harm within higher education communities.
Originality/Value: This study contributes to the broader gambling research landscape by providing a structured global synthesis of scholarly trends, thematic developments, and research gaps.