INFLUENCE OF SPORTS BETTING ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, IN MANDERA COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Globally, sports betting has gained popularity and acceptance across different countries. Although gambling may provide some excitement, it can have dire consequences to compulsive gamblers. The main purpose of this study was to assess the influence of sport betting on students’ academic performance in selected tertiary institutions in Mandera East Sub County, Mandera County. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; to examine household factors contributing to sports betting and their effect on students’ academic performance in tertiary institution, in Mandera County, Kenya, to establish how sports betting in tertiary institutions affect academic performance of learners in Mandera County, to identify factors that lead to sports betting in tertiary institutions in Mandera County, Kenya and to determine the effectiveness of sports betting mitigation measures in tertiary institution, in Mandera County, Kenya. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods with a descriptive research design. Two principals were selected using purposive sampling, while simple random sampling was used to interview 9 teachers. A total of 94 students were included using systematic sampling method. Questionnaire and interview surveys were used to obtain primary data. Data collected will be analyzed using SPSS, then interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results obtained showed that source of income (livestock keeping at 36% or crop farming at 28%), history of winning money from betting (78.7%) and being sponsored by parents (73.4%) were the major factors associated with sports betting. A large percentage of the students (84.1%) who were betting got poor grade point average of D, suggesting that it impacted their academic performance negatively. Possession of smart phones (89.4%), media advertisements (44.7%), and a combination of unlimited internet access, attractive media advertisements and ease of access to credit (73.4%) were the combination of contributing factors for students’ involvement in mostly online sports betting (95.7%). The study found that there is laxity in the implementation and effectiveness of sports betting mitigation measures in tertiary institutions, with no honesty by bettors when asked for the mandatory requirement of being above 18 years of age. It was suggested that regulation of credit companies to moderate credit access and clearing operators once they fully protect users were the main measures that could reduce the harmful effects of sports betting in the tertiary institutions. It is recommended that education on the effects of gambling and its addiction among students should be incorporated into tertiary institution programs. Further, amendments should be made in by-laws and regulations to limits sports betting in tertiary institutions.