What question did this study set out to answer?

The research examines the relationship between sports betting app features and documented problem gambling rates.

March 3, 2026Open Access

Sports Betting Apps as Void Objects: Opacity, Engagement Engineering, and Problem Gambling Rates — A Within-Domain Spearman Convergence

Key Points

The research examines the relationship between sports betting app features and documented problem gambling rates.
Scored twelve major sports betting platforms on O (algorithmic odds opacity), R (real-time engagement), and C (promotional lock-in)
Calculated Spearman ρ correlation between the Void Index and problem gambling rates from various sources
Analyzed convergence of gambling metrics within the mobile sports betting domain
Identified significant correlations between app features and higher problem gambling rates
Documented issues related to engagement strategies leading to increased gambling risks
Highlighted the relevance of these findings for EU Gambling Act reforms and Dutch KSA enforcement

Abstract

Twelve major sports betting platforms scored on O (algorithmic odds opacity), R (real-time personalized engagement), and C (promotional lock-in, withdrawal friction). Spearman ρ between Void Index and documented problem gambling rates from UK Gambling Commission, NCPG, and JAMA literature. Within-domain convergence extending the gambling anchor to the mobile sports betting form. EU Gambling Act reform and Dutch KSA enforcement relevance.

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Anthony W. Eckert

Damghan University

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Oldham Council

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Sports Betting Apps as Void Objects: Opacity, Engagement Engineering, and Problem Gambling Rates — A Within-Domain Spearman Convergence

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