The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Sports Betting Tipsters as Professional Bettors: A Qualitative Interview Study

Arif Yüce (), Sevda Gökce Yüce, Hakan Katırcı, Volkan Aydoğdu, Weisheng Chiu () and Mark D. Griffiths
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Arif Yüce: Department of Sports Management, Eskisehir Technical University, Eskisehir 26555, Turkey
Sevda Gökce Yüce: Department of Sports Management, Eskisehir Technical University, Eskisehir 26555, Turkey
Hakan Katırcı: Department of Sports Management, Eskisehir Technical University, Eskisehir 26555, Turkey
Volkan Aydoğdu: Department of Physical Education and Sports Teaching, Bitlis Eren University, Bitlis 13000, Turkey
Weisheng Chiu: Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong, China
Mark D. Griffiths: International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 9, 1-19

Abstract: Although the COVID-19 pandemic impacted individuals who bet on sports, sports betting tipsters (SBTs; i.e., individuals who provide professional tips on the outcome of sporting events) were arguably among the most affected groups. Consequently, the aim of the present study was to explore how SBTs in Turkey were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including alternate forms of gambling engagement (e.g., e-sports betting). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 85 SBTs aged between 20 and 48 years. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify common themes. Based on the qualitative analysis, four themes emerged: (i) the meaning and role of sports betting, (ii) the effects of the pandemic on life and sports betting, (iii) comparing e-sports betting vs. traditional sports betting, and (iv) possible sports betting behavior if the pandemic continues. SBTs reported experiencing psychological distress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic’s cancellation of sporting events. More specifically, SBTs reported a sense of emptiness because of the lack of sports betting. Furthermore, SBT reported suffering a loss of income and turning to e-sports betting during the pandemic. However, the majority of SBTs did not find betting on e-sports as exciting as traditional betting but reported they would continue to engage in e-sports betting if traditional sports betting was not available. The findings of this study can contribute to a better understanding of the impact of SBTs on individuals and further provide practical implications for policymakers to promote a safe, sustainable, and long-term growth of the sports betting industry in Turkey.

Keywords: sports betting; sports betting tipsters; e-sports betting; COVID-19 pandemic; sustainable development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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