Abstract

Online gambling has become common among Filipino college students due to mobile betting platforms and digital promotions. Psychology students may be more vulnerable because of academic pressure, frequent internet use, and financial limitations. This study examined the influence of online gambling promotions, academic stress, and socio-economic status on gambling motivation among Psychology students at Bestlink College of the Philippines. The study used a quantitative descriptive–correlational design. A total of 100 Psychology students aged 18–33 were selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered using a validated questionnaire measuring gambling promotions, academic stress, peer/family influence, gambling motivation, emotional coping, and financial risk-taking. Spearman’s rho was used after the data showed non-normal distribution. Most respondents were 19–23 years old, primarily used smartphones, and came from households earning 12,000 and below. Online gambling promotions, academic stress, and peer/family influence were rated high. Gambling motivation, emotional coping, and financial risk-taking were also rated high. Significant relationships were found between gambling promotions and gambling motivation, academic stress and emotional coping, and peer/family influence and financial risk-taking. The findings show that gambling motivation among Psychology students is shaped by promotional exposure, academic stress, and social influence. Gambling promotions increase motivation, academic stress encourages gambling as a coping strategy, and peer and family influence contributes to financial risk-taking. These results support the need for intervention programs focusing on awareness, stress management, and responsible decision-making.