TITLE:
Impact of Gambling Addiction on the Behavior and Mental Health of Adolescents
AUTHORS:
Gnonsian Estelle-Kévine Gahy, Brahim Samuel Traore, Gbolerou Jocelyne-Prisca Son, Mohou Roseline Ferlande Kouassi, Ago Bertine, Jean-Marie Yeo-Tenena
KEYWORDS:
Gambling, 1XBET, Addiction, Adolescents
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Psychiatry,
Vol.16 No.4,
October
30,
2026
ABSTRACT: Gambling is a phenomenon increasingly affecting adolescents. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of gambling addiction on the mental health and associated behaviors of adolescents receiving care at the SAHM. This was a descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional study involving 16 adolescents under care at the SAHM. The study lasted one month. The Goodman scale was used to assess the level of gambling addiction among the adolescents. The results indicated that all participants were male, aged between 16 and 19 (45%). Sports betting (1XBET) was the primary form of gambling (43.75%). Gambling frequency was nearly daily in 62.50% of cases. Observed deviant behaviors included psychoactive substance use (100%) and theft (56.25%). The psychiatric impact of gambling on these youths manifested as anxiety disorders (81.25%) and sleep disorders (62.50%). It is necessary to raise awareness among adolescents regarding the dangers of gambling.