Online gambling Behaviour, mobile money payments, and financial well-being of college students in the selected higher education institutions (HEI) in Calapan city

This study examines the relationships between online gambling behavior, mobile money usage, and the financial well-being of 372 college students across the selected higher education institutions in Calapan City. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational research design, the study assessed how gambling frequency and platforms, alongside the convenience and anonymity of mobile payments, influence spending patterns, debt management, and emergency savings. Findings reveal that online gambling is prevalent, with online casinos, notably BingoPlus, being the most common platform. Students reported high levels of perceived convenience and anonymity when using mobile money for these transactions. While participants maintained adequate emergency savings and debt management, they exhibited moderately unhealthy spending patterns. Statistical analysis identified a significant relationship between specific gambling types and debt management. Notably, a moderately significant correlation was found between the perceived anonymity of mobile money and debt management. These results underscore the financial risks integrated into mobile money payments. The study recommends that academic institutions and policymakers implement targeted intervention programs informed by the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). These efforts should prioritize a structured approach, ranging from prevention and awareness to skill-building, structured accountability, and clinical rehabilitation tailored specifically to the individual's level of gambling severity.