i

EXPLORING THE EXPERIENCES OF ONLINE

GAMBLING AMONG CRIMINOLOGY

STUDENTS IN PAGADIAN CITY

A Research (Proposal)

Submitted to

The Faculty of the College of Criminology

Saint Columban College

Pagadian City

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the Degree of

Bachelor of Science in Criminology

By:

CARYL DANO BUGTAY

JANROY OCAY

DOMINICK LAGAHIT

ACE SHERRON COTINGJO

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Acknowledgment

A core component of our life goals has always been the notion of success.

However, we cannot fully understand its core unless we acknowledge those who went

above and beyond the call of duty to assist us, especially those whose assistance was

essential to our endeavors or whose specific knowledge we were lacked.

Our family's constant support and financial assistance throughout our academic path

is much appreciated by the researchers. To our parents, we are grateful for your unending

love, tolerance, and sacrifices, which allowed us to achieve this.

To our research instructor, Dr. Janus Naparan for her invaluable guidance,

encouragement and support throughout the course of this research. To our classmates,

friends, and siblings thank you for your understanding and motivation that kept us

grounded and focused.

Above all, to the Almighty God for the knowledge and wisdom, praises, and

recognition are offered to HIM. These things and success are nothing without His help.
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Dedication

This study is heartily dedicated to our loving parents:

Mr. and Mrs; Romel L. Bugtay

Mr. and Mrs.Alexius L. Ocay

Mr. and Mrs; Victor L. Lagahit

Mr. and Mrs; Cotingjo

For providing us with a happy environment where we developed and became extremely

hopeful.

To the rest of our family members, friends, and teachers who shared their unwavering

prayers and moral support for this study.

Above all, we are grateful to our loving Heavenly Father, who bestowed upon us life and

blessings during this lifetime.

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Table of Contents

Title page………………………………………………………………………...…. i

Acknowledgement………………………………………..…………………..….….ii

Dedication…………………………………………………………………….……iii

Table of Contents……………………………………………………………...……iv

Chapter 1

Background of the Study…………………………………………………………. 13

Theoretical Framework……………………………………………………………..2

Statement of The Problem…………………………………………………………..1

Significance of Study ……………………………………………………………...1

Definition of Terms…………………………………………………………………1

Chapter 2

Research Design……………………………………………………….....................1

Research Environment………………………………………………………………1

Research Participants………………………………………………………………..1

Research Instruments………………………………………………………………..1

Data Gathering Analysis…………………………………………………………….1

Data Analysis………………………………………………………………………..1

Ethical Consideration In Research………………………………………………….1

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Chapter 1

The Problem

Background of the study

Online gambling continues to grow rapidly among college students, particularly

due to the increasing use of smartphones, high-speed internet, and mobile payment

platforms. In recent years, gambling apps and websites have become more accessible,

making it easier for students to place bets anytime and anywhere. According to the

Gambling Commission (2023), mobile gambling now accounts for over 60% of all

gambling activities among young adults.

This trend is especially concerning among criminology students, who are expected

to uphold legal and ethical standards as future law enforcement professionals. Their

involvement in gambling—particularly online forms—raises questions about their

motivations, values, and awareness of risks. Despite being taught about crime, law, and

responsibility, some students still engage in risky gambling behavior, which may

negatively affect their academics, finances, and mental health.

Studies like Malik et al. (2024) and Roquer et al. (2025) have shown that online

gambling is often linked to impulsive decision-making, emotional stress, and addiction.

In the Philippines, platforms like online sabong (e-cockfighting), online casinos, and

sports betting continue to attract young users, including college students. Government

agencies such as PAGCOR have tried to implement regulations, but underage and

excessive gambling remain major concerns.

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Technology has drastically changed several businesses, including the

gaming industry. Globally, online gambling has become very popular since it

makes a wide range of betting chances easily accessible through digital

platforms. It is becoming more difficult to regulate and keep an eye on online

gambling, particularly among young individuals who are more active in digital

activities, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

(UNODC). The psychological effects of excessive gambling, addiction, and

financial stability are all issues raised by this expanding practice. In societies

where financial prudence is highly valued, financial troubles are generally

stigmatized as personal failings (Tach & Greene, 2014; Sweet et al., 2018).

To prevent social stigma and marginalization, some impacted people feel under

pressure to pay off family members' debts (Takiguchi et al., 2022). However,

little is known about how gamblers and others close to them perceive financial

harm and make gambling-related decisions.

In the UK, more than 85% of adults currently own a smartphone, a major

increase in smartphone usage in recent years (Lee & Paul, 2018). Almost 30% of

online gamblers use mobile devices to place their bets, and between 2016 and

2017, mobile gaming increased by 10%, according to the UK Gaming

Commission (Gambling Commission, 2018a, b, c). The "cash out" option, which

many online gambling platforms currently provide, is one particularly notable

feature that was included alongside in-play betting. When cashing out, sports
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bettors can use this option to settle an open wager early for a fixed amount

(Lopez-Gonzalez & Griffiths, 2017).

Studies on the possible hazards of in-play sports betting have been conducted

more frequently. It was discovered in a Gambling Commission (2016)

prevalence survey that in-play bettors are more likely to be labeled problem

gamblers. According to a scoping study that examined 16 scholarly publications

mentioning in-play betting, this type of gambling might be more dangerous than

conventional betting techniques (Killick & Griffiths, 2019). According to other

research, in-play betting has elements that promote excessive wagering and may

be linked to a higher risk of gambling-related harm (Lopez-Gonzalez et al.,

2019; Lopez-Gonzalez, Griffiths, & Estévez, 2020; Parke & Parke, 2019).

The researchers have also investigated the connection between in-play

betting and increasing harm among problem gamblers. According to earlier

research, impulse sports gamblers are more inclined to wager on in-play events

than on match results ((Hing, Russell, Li, & Vitartas, 2018). Sensation seeking,

lack of planning, lack of perseverance, and negative urgency—acting

impulsively in intense emotional states—are the four characteristics that makeup

impulsivity itself, which is complicated (Sharma, Markon, & Clake, 2014).

According to Hing et al. (2018), more investigation into the environmental

elements that contribute to impulsive gambling cravings may contribute to a

better comprehension of problematic gambling behavior.

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The existence of betting features like "cash out" and in-play betting,

which may increase bettors' susceptibility to cognitive biases, is another reason

why sports betting may be connected to gambling issues (Lopez-Gonzalez,

Estévez, & Griffiths, 2017; Lopez-Gonzalez & Griffiths, 2017). Furthermore,

technological developments and compelling storylines in sports betting

commercials might increase players' sense of control and make them think they

are more skilled, which may induce them to gamble more carelessly (Lopez-

Gonzalez et al., 2017). These characteristics might encourage impulsive betting,

which raises the possibility of gambling-related injury.

In the last fifteen years, the proliferation of online gambling, especially

mobile gaming, has been one of the biggest shifts in the gambling landscape.

The fastest-growing gambling medium is the Internet, which is also altering how

gamblers use this pastime. Because of its immersive design, high accessibility,

and ease of spending, there have been worries that Internet gambling could lead

to a rise in disordered gambling rates (Gainsburry, S.M, 2015).

Researchers have demonstrated that the gambling industry is a commercial

industry that manufactures its environment and products to influence people's

choices in order to increase its own profits (Cassidy et al., 2013). This is in

contrast to the perception held by many in the government and industry that

gambling is a legitimate form of enjoyable entertainment and an important part

of the socio-cultural fabric of societies (Marko et al., 2022a; Thomas et al.,

2023c). By eliminating the physical, temporal, and spatial constraints that affect
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how people use gambling products, technological developments have produced

online gambling settings that are more dangerous (McGee, 2020; Thomas et al.,

2023a).

Online banking and gambling are virtual, which has made it simple to deposit

funds into gaming accounts (Thomas et al., 2022; Pitt et al., 2023) and given the

impression that winnings and losses are not "real" (Deans et al., 2016).

Month-to-month spending, monthly frequency, monthly percentage of

income spent on gambling, length of gambling sessions, and variety of gambling

were all indications of gambling engagement. The harms outlined in the Victoria

framework (Langham et al., 2016) included self-reported financial, emotional,

health, and relationship consequences. According to this approach, those who

have a gambling disorder diagnosis are not the only ones who can suffer harm

from gambling; it can occur across the spectrum of gambling engagement

(Browne et al., 2016; Li et al., 2017).

Additionally, it has been discovered that attending Gamblers Anonymous

meetings is linked to improved coping mechanisms, increased drive for change,

increased participation in leisure activities, and abstinence from gambling

(Schuler et al., Citation 2016). Studies involving Gamblers Anonymous

members in the US and Canada have been the main sources of information about

the impacts and experiences of attending self-help groups for problem gambling

(Schuler et al., Citation 2016).

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In Norway, there are two monopolists that offer gambling opportunities:

"Norsk Tipping," which primarily offers gambling on sports and number games

in order to fund research and sports groups, and "Norsk Rikstoto," which is

licensed to book horse races. However, some play online with international

gambling firms (Rossow & Hansen, 1996). According to 2015 prevalence

research, 0.9% of Norwegian adults suffer from problem gambling disorder.

(Pallesen, Molde, Mentzoni, Hanss, & Morken, Citation2016; Williams,

Volberg, & Stevens, Citation2012) Per this assessment, Norway is in the lower

half of the global problem gambling range, which is between 0.5% and 7.6%.

They came to the conclusion that the frequency of gambling is not as

negatively associated with problem gambling as the number of gaming formats.

The authors did not, however, concentrate on the distinctions between online and

offline gaming. Additional research (Philander & MacKay, 2014; Canale et al.,

2016). In many countries, declining gambling participation rates have been

linked to a number of reasons, such as restricted access to land-based venues,

interruptions of professional athletic events, unstable finances, and more (Auer

et al. 2020; Gambling Commission, 2020).

Students now find it more difficult to manage their academic obligations,

financial difficulties, and internet connectivity due to the surge in online

gambling. In order to shed light on how criminology students' academic

knowledge relates to their behavior and whether this awareness influences their

choices or attitudes toward risk, this study examines the real-life experiences of
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criminology students who gamble online. Additionally, the growth and

promotion of online gambling may result in a notable increase in participation,

especially in nations where it is legal. Younger people may be more affected by

this trend because of their intense interest in these kinds of games (Chóliz M.,

2016).

Many social and physical problems that affect gamblers, their families, and

the community at large have been connected to gambling (van Schalkwyk et al.,

2021; McCarthy et al., 2022). According to McHardy (2021), detrimental

business sectors aim to increase their clientele and sway decisions that could

imperil their clients' health or the health of others. It is noteworthy that women

suffer more financial stress due to gaming, although men have higher rates of

gambling issues (Koomson et al., 2022). Because they might be dependent on

the gambler, share money with them, pay off the gambler's debts with their own

money, or purchase necessities like food for the gambler, impacted others may

also suffer financial hardship (Patford 2007; Davies et al., 2022; McCarthy et al.,

2022; Suomi et al., 2022).

In many nations, pathological and problematic gambling has become a

significant issue. The Internet, which provides a variety of gambling games and

applications that are quicker, more appealing due to a wide range of design and

marketing options, less expensive, and possibly more addictive than traditional

gambling options, is one possible contributing factor to the acceleration of this

phenomenon in recent years. Nevertheless, the Internet's involvement in

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problematic gambling has not been well examined and is still up for debate.

(Efferts and others, 2018)

In the Philippines, the growing prevalence of online gambling has captured

the attention of both government authorities and academic institutions. The

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has introduced

regulatory measures to oversee gambling activities; however, the increasing

accessibility of online betting platforms makes it challenging to curb underage

and excessive gambling. The Philippines has become the gambling lord's

paradise and the richest of these lords, albeit legal and government-owned is the

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). The most beautiful

part of Metro Manila is about to turn into the Las Vegas of the Orient. According

to the latest administrative data from PAGCOR [7], the Philippine gambling

industry GGR grew by 5.2 percent to reach US$3.5 billion in 2017 from US$3.3

billion (2016).

According to studies on college students' gambling habits, peer pressure,

financial strain, and the ease of internet betting all play a part in the growing

popularity of gambling. Since any Filipino citizen of any age can easily log into

a website and play standard casino games like poker, roulette, slot machines, or

even sports betting, Lamoste and Prasetyawati (2021) emphasized online

gambling as difficult.

Determining methods for preventing gambling addiction will be made easier

with an understanding of students' mild gambling addiction. As suggested by

Delfabbro and King (2020), Gupta and Derevensky (2020), and Langham et al.
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(2016), it will contribute to a better understanding of the reasons, actions, and

experiences of student gamblers' conduct.

Although some at-risk populations that are susceptible to high-risk

gambling and alcohol abuse have increased their gambling activity, overall,

gambling behavior throughout the pandemic has been stable or decreased

(Håkansson, 2020). However, because self-report research methodologies have

limited the evidence, more research is required. Although few studies have

provided assessments of online behavioral data as of this writing, they do

suggest a slight increase in online gambling activity when compared to pre-

pandemic levels in general (Auer et al., 2020).

Online gambling has quickly taken over as the most popular type of

gambling, changing how people participate in betting activities. There are

worries that it could increase the prevalence of compulsive gambling because of

its great accessibility, immersive experience, and simplicity of financial

transactions. This phrase refers to a variety of gaming and betting activities

carried out via Internet-enabled gadgets, including PCs, cellphones, tablets, and

digital TVs. Although online gambling has become more convenient due to

technological advancements, widespread Internet connection, and the increasing

number of people who use these devices, it is still a subset of traditional

gambling rather than a separate industry (Gainsbury S, 2015).

Gambling was linked to a number of lifestyle, health, and sociodemographic

characteristics; variations were noted by sex and type of gambling (online versus

offline). For both boys and girls, the prevalence of at-risk gambling was 6.2%
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and 1%, respectively. Gambling at risk was linked to male sex, gambling online,

having bad mental health, and playing more than two distinct kinds of gaming.

(Roquer and others, 2025).

These days, all it takes to access gaming operations on a computer is a few

keystrokes. One type of access that has attracted increased interest from scholars

studying gambling is social media, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat,

and other platforms. The rise in popularity of social media platforms as a way to

access online gambling websites through hyperlinks concealed inside

advertisements is partly responsible for this increased attention (Malik et al.,

2024).

Based on the perceived level of danger, gambling has been divided into

various categories, including casino games, betting, and lotteries. With 86.3% of

people claiming lifetime participation, lotteries remain the most popular game.

Women are 15 percentage points more likely than men to be lottery-type

gamblers each year, and this difference widens to 31 points over the course of a

career. Conversely, the percentage of non-problem gamblers in both recent and

lifetime engagement is typically lower for gambling activities deemed riskier

(Fiedor et al., 2024).

At the local level, Pagadian City has experienced a growing presence of

online gambling, especially among students. The increasing involvement of

criminology students in online gambling presents an intriguing contradiction—

individuals studying law enforcement and crime prevention engaging in

potentially risky betting behaviors. This study seeks to explore their motivations,
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experiences, and perceptions of online gambling to bridge the research gap and

assess its implications within criminology education. According to Browne,

Greer, Rawat, & Rockloff (2017) and Ferland et al. (2008), gambling disease is a

crippling illness that greatly costs the sufferer, their social network, and society.

Online gambling has become an increasingly pervasive phenomenon in the

Philippines, particularly with the rapid rise of digital technologies, mobile

devices, and internet accessibility. Platforms such as online casinos, sports

betting apps, and e-sabong (online cockfighting) have surged in popularity,

especially among the youth. In the context of Pagadian City, a growing urban

hub in the Zamboanga Peninsula, this trend reflects both national patterns and

local socio-economic conditions that influence young people's behavior. The

motivation for pursuing this research stems from the need to assess the potential

risks and consequences of online gambling among future law enforcers. By

understanding their experiences, this study seeks to provide valuable insights for

academic institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders in crafting interventions to

promote responsible gambling behaviors and prevent the negative effects

associated with this activity. Young learners, for instance, are one of the affected

social groups since they have been forced to remain at home, away from their

classmates, friends, and all of the activities they used to participate in before

(Safarina & Halima, 2019).

It is probable that associated issues may surface as online gambling

develops further and more individuals participate, especially young people who
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are quite accustomed to internet technology and shopping. To further understand

how this kind of access affects gambling problem experience and prevalence,

research, and legislation will need to change. To learn how to lower the risk of

persons switching to disordered gambling, does not appear to be modifying the

subject more research. The Internet provides a potentially robust environment for

the provision of responsible gambling, including tools and resources for player-

focused play moderation, including information, time outs, self-set spend

restrictions, and expenditure tracking. Gainsburry (2015).

Despite its growing prevalence, there is a lack of in-depth research

focusing on the personal experiences, motivations, and consequences of online

gambling among criminology students in provincial urban settings like Pagadian

City. This gap is critical, as it may reveal patterns of risky behavior that could

impact students' academic performance, mental health, and professional

development. Young students frequently engage in online gaming, which has

been perceived as a way to foster digital literacy and improve their academic

performance (Burton, 2020). Studies have shown that some, but not all, of the

online games used by teachers as supplemental teaching resources improve

students' academic performance (Dumrique & Castillo, 2017; Felszeghy et al.,

2019; Yudha & Utami, 2022).

Online gambling has grown to be a major global concern, especially for

young people and students who are exposed to digital platforms more frequently.

The availability of mobile applications and websites for online gambling has
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increased in the Philippines, potentially leading to social, psychological, and

legal repercussions. Because they are supposed to respect and comprehend the

law, criminology students are a special group whose participation in such

activities could have serious repercussions for their academic and professional

lives.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the experiences, driving forces,

and possible dangers of internet gambling among Pagadian City criminology

students. It is crucial to comprehend their viewpoints for a number of reasons:

first, it draws attention to the frequency and type of gambling behaviors in this

group; second, it might highlight discrepancies between their academic

background and their personal preferences; and third, it provides information

that could guide university regulations, public awareness initiatives, and

intervention initiatives.

By illuminating these experiences, the study hopes to advance more

responsible online platform use, particularly among aspiring law enforcement

and justice professionals, and add to the larger conversation on teenage gambling

behavior.

Theoretical Framework

This study is anchored on Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, which

explains how people learn behaviors through observing others and the environment

around them. According to Bandura (2016), individuals are influenced not just by direct
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experience but by modeling or watching others’ actions and the consequences of those

actions.

Criminology students who are frequently exposed to peers or social media influencers

who gamble online may imitate that behavior, especially if it seems rewarding or fun.

Social Cognitive Theory also highlights the role of self-efficacy—the belief in one’s

ability to control actions. Students who think they can manage their gambling habits may

continue doing it despite knowing the risks.

This theory is useful in understanding the social and psychological processes behind

students’ gambling behaviors. It helps explain why they start gambling, how their

environment influences them, and why they might continue despite negative

consequences.

Statement of the Problem:

This study explores the experiences of online gambling among criminology

students in Pagadian City. It focuses on criminology students as research

participants and will be conducted during the academic year 2024-2025.

Specifically, the study aims to answer the central question: "How do

criminology students in Pagadian City describe their experiences with online

gambling?" It seeks to answer the following queries:

1. What factors influence criminology students to engage in online gambling?

2. What are the benefits gained by criminology students from online gambling?

3. What are the risks gained by criminology students from online gambling?
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4. What are the disadvantages experienced by criminology students from online

gambling?

5. How do criminology students deal with these disadvantages experienced from

online gambling?

Significance of the Study:

This research is important because it sheds light on how online gambling

affects criminology students, especially in terms of their academics, behavior,

and overall well-being. By understanding their personal experiences, this study

can help different groups see the deeper issues behind why students get into

online gambling and what kind of help or intervention they might need.

This study intends to provide insight into the expanding online gambling

phenomena among Pagadian City criminology students. Gaining information

from their experiences benefits a range of stakeholders:

Criminology Students. The study promotes self-reflection and responsible

decision-making by increasing knowledge of the psychological, social,

academic, and financial effects of online gambling.

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Teachers and School Administrators. The results can guide the creation of

focused interventions, guidelines, and support networks to deal with gambling-

related problems in educational settings.

Parents and Guardians. By giving a more comprehensive understanding of the

difficulties that students may encounter, this research can improve

communication and guidance at home.

Law Enforcement and Policy Makers. Since criminology students may

eventually work in the justice system, their participation in online gambling may

present moral and legal issues. The report might spark conversations about

legislation, public awareness initiatives, and preventative measures.

Future Researcher. The findings can be used as a starting point for additional

research on online gambling behavior, particularly among young people in other

areas or in educational contexts.

Definition of Terms:

To avoid confusion and make sure readers clearly understand the key

ideas in this study, the following terms are defined based on how they are used

in this research. These definitions will help explain some of the concepts and

words that may have different meanings in other contexts, especially for readers

who are not familiar with online gambling or criminology.

Criminology Students. Are individuals pursuing a degree in

criminology, the interdisciplinary study of crime, criminal behavior, and the

criminal justice system. This field encompasses various disciplines, including

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sociology, law, psychology, and forensic science, to understand the nature,

causes, and consequences of criminal activity.

Community. A group of people who have something in common—like

where they live, what they’re interested in, what they believe, or what they’re

working toward—and who interact with each other in meaningful ways.

Communities can exist in places like neighborhoods, schools, online platforms,

workplaces, churches, or even through shared causes.

Gambling. Gambling is when someone bets money or something

valuable on an event where the result isn’t guaranteed, usually hoping to win

more money or a prize in return.

Gambling Behavior. Referring to the act of wagering or betting

something of value, typically money, on an event with an uncertain outcome,

hoping to win something of greater value. It can range from occasional, low-

risk gambling for entertainment to compulsive, problematic gambling that

negatively impacts various aspects of life.

Online Gambling. Any kind of gambling conducted on the Internet.

This includes virtual poker, casinos, and sports betting. is the act of placing

bets or playing games of chance over the Internet for real money or other

stakes.
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Chapter 2

Research Method

This chapter lays out how the research was conducted. It includes the specific

approach taken in gathering and analyzing data, the place and people involved, the

tools used, and how ethical issues were handled throughout the study.

Research Design

In this study, we used a qualitative approach because our goal was to understand the

real experiences of criminology students who engage in online gambling—not just the

statistics, but what they actually feel, think, and go through. We wanted to explore their

world, from their own point of view.

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To do this, we followed a phenomenological design. This means we focused on their

lived experiences—the emotions, challenges, and reasons behind their actions. It helped

us see online gambling not just as a behavior, but as something shaped by their

environment, personal struggles, and everyday choices.

At the same time, we treated these students as a specific "case." Using a case study

approach, we looked closely at criminology students in Pagadian City. This helped us

connect their stories to their identity as future law enforcers, which made the findings

even more meaningful. Through interviews and reflections, we were able to gather

insights that statistics alone could never show.

Research Environment:

The research took place in Pagadian City, particularly in schools that offer a

Criminology program. These settings include classrooms, dorms, lounges, and anywhere

students commonly use internet-connected devices.

This environment is relevant because these are the places where students are most likely

exposed to or influenced by online gambling. Understanding the setting helps make sense

of the behavior and experience of students involved.

The research environment will also consider the digital world that students

encounter on a regular basis, such as social media, online gaming communities, and

mobile devices, all of which can operate as entry points to online gambling.
 xxiv

For the purpose of investigating the lived experiences, driving forces, and

perceived repercussions of online gambling among Pagadian City criminology

students, this setting offers a pertinent and contextual backdrop.

Research Participants

The participants were criminology students from different colleges in Pagadian City.

Using purposive sampling, students who had actually experienced online gambling were

chosen. Fifteen (15) individuals will be chosen in order to facilitate the collection of

qualitative data in-depth through focus groups or interviews. Year level, age, and gender

differences will be taken into account in order to obtain a thorough grasp of the various

viewpoints and experiences pertaining to online gambling among criminology students.

Research Instruments:

Since this is a qualitative study, the main instrument was the researcher. Data was

collected using a semi-structured interview guide created to lead the conversation

without limiting the flow of ideas. The guide included open-ended questions about the

participants' personal experiences with online gambling, including how they started,

what motivates them, and how it has affected their academic and personal lives.

The interview guide was reviewed by experts for validity and revised based on their

suggestions. It was written in English but explained in the local dialect if needed to

ensure the participants fully understood the questions. Audio recordings and field

notes were used to document responses during the interviews.

Data Gathering Analysis

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The data gathering process started with getting permission from proper

authorities, such as Deparment Dean and administrative officials. After approval, the

researcher identified eligible participants using the inclusion criteria. Participants were

approached respectfully, and informed consent was secured before the interviews

began. The researcher talks about the importance of their study response. To ensure

that participants answered the following questions fully informed of the study's topic,

the researcher explained a few terms to them.

Each interview took place in a private, safe environment—either in person or

online—and lasted around 30 to 45 minutes. The researcher clearly explained the purpose

of the study, and informed consent was obtained.

The subjects were asked to respond truthfully by the researcher. The purpose of

this study is to ascertain their experiences with internet gambling. Following the

respondents' interview responses, the researchers gathered and totaled the data in order

to understand it. The researcher draws a conclusion and makes a recommendation for

this study based on the data.

Data Analysis

The researchers used thematic analysis based on the procedures of Merriam and

Tisdell (2016). This involved multiple stages: transcribing all interviews, reading and re-

reading transcripts to gain familiarity, identifying recurring codes, grouping those codes

into broader themes, and interpreting how these themes relate to the research questions.
 xxvi

This method ensures a systematic yet flexible approach, allowing insights to emerge

directly from the participants’ narratives. It also supports the trustworthiness of the study

by grounding analysis in the actual data.

These themes helped explain the experiences of students regarding online gambling—like

why they started, how it affected their lives, and what challenges they faced. This method

helped organize the data while staying true to the voices of the participants.

Ethical Considerations In Research

Ethical guidelines were strictly followed throughout the study. Participants gave

their voluntary consent and were informed of their rights, including the right to

withdraw at any time. Confidentiality was a top priority—all data collected were kept

private and only accessible to the researcher.

Names and identifying details were not recorded, and participants were referred to

using codes. No personal information was disclosed in any part of the study. The

researcher ensured that participation did not cause any emotional or psychological

harm. All ethical standards set by the institution were followed carefully to protect the

participants at every stage of the research.

Any research must take ethics into account, but this is especially true for studies

that deal with delicate subjects like internet gambling. To safeguard the rights, welfare,

and dignity of the participants, this study, which investigates the experiences of

criminology students involved in or impacted by internet gambling in Pagadian City,

 xxvii

will closely follow ethical research guidelines. This study will be guided by the

following ethical principles and considerations:

Informed Consent. Before beginning the study, participants will get

comprehensive information about its nature, goals, methods, possible risks, and

advantages. They will receive an informed consent document outlining the fact that

participation is completely optional and that they can leave at any time without

incurring any fees. This guarantees that involvement is founded on understanding and

free will.

Confidentiality and Anonymity. Due to the delicate nature of the subject,

participant identities will remain anonymous. All transcripts and reporting will employ

pseudonyms and delete personal identities. All information gathered will be safely

stored, and only the researcher will have access to it. These precautions guarantee that

participants can openly discuss their experiences without worrying about being judged

or stigmatized.

Voluntary Participation. No student will be forced to take part in the research

under any circumstances. No academic rewards or incentives will be offered to

encourage participation; it is entirely optional. This guarantees that their decision to

take part was not influenced or manipulated in any way.

Justice and Fairness. Regardless of their gambling status, all Pagadian City

criminology students will have an equal chance to take part in the study. No group will
 xxviii

unfairly be given preference or excluded. In order to guarantee equal treatment, the

selection procedure will be impartial and fair.

Benificence. Every criminology student in Pagadian City will have an equal

opportunity to participate in the study, regardless of their gaming status. No group will

be unjustly excluded or given priority. The selection process shall be fair and unbiased

to ensure equal treatment.

References:
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