An Assessment of The Effects of Sports Betting on Youthful University Students’ Well-Being in Kenya: A Case of Mama Ngina University, A Constituent College of Kenyatta University

Abstract

Gambling refers to playing a game of chance for the chances of winning a token. Sports betting, as a form of gambling, refers to the placement of odds in on-going sport matches by predicting the correct outcome with a view of doubling the amount placed. Sports betting is common among the youth owing to their access to mobile phones, internet access and tech-savvy nature. However, the addiction to sport betting has had various repercussions including psychological effects, poor academic performance, poor economic decisions, school-dropouts and suicides. The study was domiciled at Mama Ngina University College. The study employed a descriptive research design in the collection of data. The study collect data from 103(100.0%) primary respondents (youthful students) using semi-structured questionnaires alongside qualitative interviews. On the factors attracting youthful students to sports betting, it was noted that potential income was the most dominant, alongside entertainment and peer pressure. Media was the main driver of the behavior. On academic impact, there was a slight decline in performance and over 83 (80%) missing classes or assignments due to their involvement in sports betting. On psychosocial effects, sports betting led to increased stress and anxiety, linked to their betting habits, with reduced social interactions. On economic situation, sports betting had drained the resources of most students with nearly 73(70.9%) of students reported borrowing money or taking loans to fund their betting activities. On strategies, the university had implemented some strategies to mitigate the effects of sports betting, such as counseling and workshops. The findings opened room for more studies on the extent of mental health challenges associated with sports betting, such as anxiety, depression, and addiction, among university students.