Age as a Factor in Sports Betting Among Students of Colleges of Education in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Abstract

The study assessed age as a factor in sports betting among students of colleges of education in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The descriptive survey design was used for the study. The target population was students in colleges of education in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The simple random sampling method was employed to select 361 students for the study. Questionnaire was used for data collection. The Cronbach’s coefficient alpha for the questionnaire was 0.75. Means, standard deviations and Kruskal Wallis H test were used to analyse data. The results showed that students benefited from engaging in sport betting by getting quick income and also becoming happy in life. Findings showed no statistically significant difference in students’ involvement in sports betting on the basis age. Kruskal-Wallis H test results showed no statistically significant difference in effects of sports betting of colleges of education students due to age. It was recommended that since the effects of sports betting can be devastating, Colleges of Education should do screening of addictive bettors and refer them for guidance and counselling. Colleges of Education should put clear policy decisions on betting on their campuses. This policy should include laws that prohibit college students from betting, since most students who bet are aged 18 years and above. Keywords: Sport betting, activities, gambling, age, bettors. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-17-07 Publication date: June 30 th 2022