Sportsko klađenje i druga rizična ponašanja hrvatskih srednjoškolaca
Sports Betting and Other Risk Behavior Among Croatian High-school Students

Summary/Abstract: Sports betting is a very widespread game of chance in Croatia. Contemporary research on youth gambling prevalence, which becomes of more interest in the social sciences, shows significant prevalence of this type of risk behaviour. Theoretical models, as well as empirical research, also indicate a correlation between gambling and other forms of risk/delinquent behavior. The aims of this paper are to determine the prevalence of regular sports betting among male high-school students in Croatia, differences in sports betting with regard to age and type of school, and differences in the manifestation of other risk/delinquent behavior with regard to frequency of sports betting. A study was conducted with 1,330 male high-school students (Mage=16.58; SD=1.19) from all three types of high schools in Croatia (in 7 cities/towns). The following instruments were used: Questionnaire on General Socio-Demographic Data; Gambling Activities Questionnaire (Ricijaš et al. 2011), as well as Risk and Delinquent Behaviour Questionnaire (Atlanta et al., 2005). Results show that 36.6% of male high-school students regularly bet on sports results, and sports betting is the most frequent games of chance played among young people. Students from four-year vocational high schools bet more often than gymnasium (university preparatory) students, while age differences were not found. Results also show a correlation between frequency of sports betting and frequency of playing other games of chance, while those students who bet more often also manifest more risk/ delinquent behaviour. The differences are significant on all subscales, but the effects are the greatest within school-related risk behaviour and consummation of alcohol/drugs. The results are interpreted in the context of other international research, but also with practical implications for creating prompt and well-timed interventions for youth at risk.

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