Illegal gambling on sports: a mediational model of general strain theory

ABSTRACT

Studies involving illegal gambling in sports are important, though most lack a theoretical framework. The current study examines illegal gambling in sports using a mediational model of General Strain Theory. This features a survey of three-hundred and ninety-two (n = 392) gamblers in Rasht, Iran. Results indicate that participants who experience subjective financial strain also experience negative emotions, which leads to a greater likelihood of illegal gambling. The concepts of financial strain (low SES) and control deficit emerged as significant in the development of gambling behaviors. The results suggests that gambling on sports behavior is learned in a similarly to pro-social behaviors, and that desistance requires an consideration of the learning process.

KEYWORDS:

• General strain theory
• gambling
• learning
• deviance
• crime

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

^1. The Rial is the currency of Iran.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Saeed Kabiri

Saeed Kabiri earned his master’s degree in sociology at University of Guillan (2012) and also earned his PhD degree in social problems of Iran at University of Mazandaran (2017). He has published several papers about the sociology and criminology of sports. His recent research has been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals such as Deviant Behavior, Journal of Drug Issues, and the International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology.

Seyyedehmasoomeh (Shamila) Shadmanfaat

Seyyedehmasoomeh (Shamila) Shadmanfaatearned her master’s degree in sociology at University of Guillan (2016) has published several papers about sociology and criminology of sport with a focus on gender differences. Her recent research has been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals such as Deviant Behavior, Journal of Drug Issues, and the International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology.

John Winterdyk

John Winterdyk primary areas of interest include young offenders, human trafficking, research methodology, bio-social explanations of crime and comparative and international criminology/criminal justice. John has published extensively in the areas of criminological theory, youth at risk, corrections and criminal justice related issues as well as on a host of comparative/international themes.

Hayden P. Smith

Hayden P. Smith is an Associate Professor of Criminology & Criminal Justice at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Smith’s area of interest centers on inmates with mental illness, self-injurious behaviors and the health and wellness of correctional officers. He has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles, books and technical reports on these topics and others.

Luke O’Dwyer

Luke O’Dwyer is a researcher located in Switch-Up Hypnotherapy, Brisbane, Brisbane, Australia.