PERCEIVED INFLUENCE OF ONLINE GAMBLING ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN LAGOS METROPOLIS

Abstract

The rise of online gambling among students in Lagos Metropolis has raised concerns about its potential effects on academic performance. This study investigates the perceived influence of online gambling on students' academic performance for secondary school students in Education District 1 of Lagos State, Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. A sample of 250 secondary school students was selected using stratified random sampling. Gambling Related Cognition Scale, (GRCS) and the Academic Self Concept Scale, (ASCS) were was used to gather data.  The research was guided by three research hypotheses which were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Data gathered were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, t-test, and Analysis of Variance. Findings revealed that online gambling has a significant influence on students’ academic performance, and that there is a gender difference in online gambling among secondary school students. Age was found not to have a significant influence on online gambling among secondary school students. It was recommended there should be a strict compliance to age restriction to online gambling and social media networking.