Exploring the Role of Masculinity in Gambling Behaviors and Responsible Gambling Among Emerging Adult Men

Session Title

Youth Gambling: Risk Factors & Vulnerability

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation

Start Date

28-5-2026 12:00 AM

Abstract

Emerging adulthood is a developmental period marked by increased autonomy and heightened vulnerability to risk-taking behaviors, including gambling. Young men experience disproportionately higher gambling involvement and harm, particularly in socially embedded contexts such as sports betting. Masculine socialization—emphasizing risk-taking, competitiveness, and emotional control—may play an important role in shaping gambling behavior and engagement with responsible gambling (RG) strategies, yet remains understudied. This study examined associations between conformity to traditional masculine norms, RG strategy use, and problem gambling severity among emerging adult men. Participants were 593 men who gambled in the past month and were primarily white, heterosexual, unmarried, and college-educated, with an average age of 24.84. A survey assessment assessing masculinity, gambling involvement, RG strategy use, and gambling-related harm was used. As predicted, greater conformity to traditional masculine norms was positively associated with problem gambling severity and negatively associated with engagement in RG strategies. These findings suggest that masculinity may function as a psychological risk factor for gambling-related harm while also acting as a barrier to protective behaviors. This presentation also explores whether gambling engagement and problems moderate the association between masculine norm conformity and RG strategy use.

Author Bios

Chance Dow, M.S. is a second-year clinical psychology doctoral student at The University of Memphis, conducting research in the Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education and Research. His research focuses on sports betting, responsible gambling, and masculinity, particularly among college student and emerging adult populations.

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May 28th, 12:00 AM

Exploring the Role of Masculinity in Gambling Behaviors and Responsible Gambling Among Emerging Adult Men

Emerging adulthood is a developmental period marked by increased autonomy and heightened vulnerability to risk-taking behaviors, including gambling. Young men experience disproportionately higher gambling involvement and harm, particularly in socially embedded contexts such as sports betting. Masculine socialization—emphasizing risk-taking, competitiveness, and emotional control—may play an important role in shaping gambling behavior and engagement with responsible gambling (RG) strategies, yet remains understudied. This study examined associations between conformity to traditional masculine norms, RG strategy use, and problem gambling severity among emerging adult men. Participants were 593 men who gambled in the past month and were primarily white, heterosexual, unmarried, and college-educated, with an average age of 24.84. A survey assessment assessing masculinity, gambling involvement, RG strategy use, and gambling-related harm was used. As predicted, greater conformity to traditional masculine norms was positively associated with problem gambling severity and negatively associated with engagement in RG strategies. These findings suggest that masculinity may function as a psychological risk factor for gambling-related harm while also acting as a barrier to protective behaviors. This presentation also explores whether gambling engagement and problems moderate the association between masculine norm conformity and RG strategy use.