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. 2024 Jun;40(2):893-914.
doi: 10.1007/s10899-023-10256-5. Epub 2023 Sep 22.

Understanding Esports-related Betting and Gambling: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Harshdeep S Mangat  1 , Mark D Griffiths  2 , Shu M Yu  1 , Katalin Felvinczi  3 , Ronald K Ngetich  1 , Zsolt Demetrovics  4   5 , Andrea Czakó  1   3
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Understanding Esports-related Betting and Gambling: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Harshdeep S Mangat et al. J Gambl Stud. 2024 Jun.

Abstract

Esports gambling has steadily grown in popularity alongside esports itself. While research has been increasing in the field of esports-related gambling, no study has yet reviewed the relevant literature on esports gambling. The present study aimed to comprehensively review all empirical research conducted in the wider field of esports gambling. A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was undertaken using PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Only empirical studies were included and were also assessed for potential biases using the ROBUST guidelines. A total of 30 studies from eight countries were included in the review. Esports gamblers were found more likely to be young males, likely to score high on problematic gambling scales, and likely to belong to households speaking a non-English language at home in English speaking countries. Esports gamblers are a unique type of gambling population, with rare characteristics and behaviors compared to other types of gamblers. Given the limited number of studies, there is a need for further research in this field to understand these populations, as well as the need for longitudinal research.

Keywords: Adolescent gambling; Esports; Esports betting; Problem gambling; Skin betting; Systematic review.

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Conflict of interest statement

The University of Gibraltar receives funding from the Gibraltar Gambling Care Foundation. MDG’s university has received research funding from Norsk Tipping (the gambling operator owned by the Norwegian Government). MDG has also received funding for a number of research projects in the area of gambling education for young people, and social responsibility in gambling from Gamble Aware (formerly the Responsible Gambling Trust), a charitable body which funds its research program based on donations from the gambling industry. MDG regularly undertakes consultancy for various gambling companies in the area of player protection and social responsibility in gambling. However, none of the above-listed funding sources is related to this review article, and the funding institutions/organisations had no role in the study design or the collection, analysis, and interpretation of the data, writing of the manuscript, or the decision to submit the paper for publication.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA flow chart for the search strategy and screening process (Page et al., 2021)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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