The Relationship between Betting Propensity as Perceived by Golfers and Exercise Addiction: Verification of Moderating Effects According to Background Variables

BACKGROUND: We aimed to verify the effect of betting propensity as perceived by golf participants on exercise addiction, as well as the moderating effects of gender, average number of strokes, weekly exercise frequency, and monthly rounding frequency on these relationships. METHODS: The study included 377 individuals who utilized golf driving ranges and courses in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province (Korea) selected using the non-probability sampling method. The data collected thereafter were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis, reliability analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, stepwise regression analysis, and moderating effect analysis using Jamovi version 2.2.2 (University of Newcastle, Sydney, Australia). When the moderating effect was statistically significant, simple linear regression analysis was used to verify the results. RESULTS: Betting propensity had a positive effect on all sub-factors related to exercise addiction (withdrawal symptoms, conflict, attachment, tolerance, and obsessive–compulsive disorder) (P<0.05). Only the average number of stroke exerted a significant moderating effect on these relationships (P<0.05). Specifically, greater perceived betting propensity was associated with a greater propensity for exercise addiction, and this phenomenon was more pronounced among those with a low average number of strokes. CONCLUSION: The current results suggest that greater perceived betting propensity is associated with an increased risk of exercise addiction among golf participants, especially those who are relatively more skilled. These results highlight the need to emphasize participating for the enjoyment of golf and psychological satisfaction without promoting practices that can lead to exercise addiction, such as betting golf.