청소년의 도박 경험 유무에 따른 관련 요인 탐색: 도박 인식과 태도를 중심으로

Purpose: This study aims to identify the factors influencing gambling experiences among Korean adolescents by examining differences in gambling perception and attitudes based on gambling experience. The goal is to provide foundational data for effective prevention and intervention strategies tailored to adolescent behavior. Subjects: The study analyzed data from 13,367 elementary (grades 4–6), middle, and high school students enrolled in regular schools across Korea, drawn from the 2024 National Adolescent Gambling Survey by the Korea Center on Gambling Problems. Methods: The research utilized a cross-sectional design, and data were collected through self-administered online surveys conducted via school visits. Stratified random sampling was applied using power allocation based on school level and region to ensure national representativeness. Data Analysis: Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the impact of sociodemographic characteristics, gambling-related perceptions, and attitudes on adolescents' gambling experience (yes/no). Results: Significant predictors of higher gambling experience included higher monthly allowance (₩15,000–₩200,000), perception of gambling as a means to earn money, gain enjoyment, enhance intelligence, or socialize, and emotional states such as anxiety and depression. Conversely, protective factors included strong refusal skills, participation in prevention education, low allowance, and negative perceptions of gambling as a stress or mood management strategy. Middle school students and females were less likely to report gambling experiences. Application and Suggestions: These findings suggest the need for tailored prevention programs that address distorted perceptions and emotional vulnerabilities, particularly in high-risk groups. Policy-makers and educators should strengthen early education, peer resistance training, and online safety measures to reduce youth exposure to gambling environmen.