Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Psychology
Minor
Exercise science
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Daniel Wann
Presentation Format
Performance or Production - Murray State Access only
Abstract/Description
The increased availability of legalized sport wagering across the United States has transformed the modern sport industry, redefining fan engagement practices. As betting partnerships, in-game odds integration, and gambling media content become increasingly embedded in sport broadcasts, understanding how fans interpret these changes is critical. This study examines how fans perceive the rise of sport wagering and how their perceptions influence their views of sport efficacy (i.e., integrity, authenticity, fairness, etc.). Participants will include adult sport fans, 18 or older, recruited through Murray State athletic events. Individuals recruited will be asked to voluntarily answer a four-section survey along with demographic questions. The first section will include the Sport Fandom Questionnaire (Wann, 2001), a five-item measure assessing the level of sport fandom. The next scale will be the five-item Fan Dysfunction Scale (Wakefield & Wann, 2006), designed to assess the degree to which fans are confrontational. The third scale will be the seven-item Sport Spectator Identification Scale – Revised (James, Delia, & Wann, 2019), completed to assess the level of identification with a favorite sport team. In the fourth and final section, the participants will be asked to complete a 6-item scale, assessing the level of an individual’s trust in sport following the increased availability of sport wagering.
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Psychology: Projects In-Progress
Betting on Belief: How perceptions of increasing sport wagering shape fan trust in game
The increased availability of legalized sport wagering across the United States has transformed the modern sport industry, redefining fan engagement practices. As betting partnerships, in-game odds integration, and gambling media content become increasingly embedded in sport broadcasts, understanding how fans interpret these changes is critical. This study examines how fans perceive the rise of sport wagering and how their perceptions influence their views of sport efficacy (i.e., integrity, authenticity, fairness, etc.). Participants will include adult sport fans, 18 or older, recruited through Murray State athletic events. Individuals recruited will be asked to voluntarily answer a four-section survey along with demographic questions. The first section will include the Sport Fandom Questionnaire (Wann, 2001), a five-item measure assessing the level of sport fandom. The next scale will be the five-item Fan Dysfunction Scale (Wakefield & Wann, 2006), designed to assess the degree to which fans are confrontational. The third scale will be the seven-item Sport Spectator Identification Scale – Revised (James, Delia, & Wann, 2019), completed to assess the level of identification with a favorite sport team. In the fourth and final section, the participants will be asked to complete a 6-item scale, assessing the level of an individual’s trust in sport following the increased availability of sport wagering.