THE IMPACT OF GAMBLING PROXIMITY ON GAMBLING ATTITUDES, SUBJECTIVE NORMS, GAMBLING INTENTIONS, AND GAMBLING BEHAVIOR OF COLLEGE ATHLETES

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of proximity to a gaming venue on the subjective norms, attitudes, intentions and gambling behaviors of student athletes. Two universities were chosen for the study, one with close proximity to gambling venues and one without gambling venues in the area. The results indicated that proximity to gaming venues did not impact subjective norms, attitudes, intentions, or gambling behaviors. This result was inconsistent with much of the prior research on other demographic groups that indicated that proximity did have an impact on gambling activities. Further examination of the measuring instrument suggests that proximity may be better measured in venue preference rather than distance.