HOUSEHOLD FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO SPORTS BETTING AND THEIR EFFECT ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN TERTIARY INSTITUTION, IN MANDERA COUNTY, KENYA; A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background: This study aims to examine household factors contributing to sports betting and their effect on students’ academic performance in tertiary institutions, in Mandera County, Kenya. Methodology: The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods with a descriptive research design. A total of 94 students were included using the systematic sampling method. Questionnaires and interview surveys were used to obtain primary data. Data collected will be analyzed using SPSS and then interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Most students were males (61.7%) in their first year of study. 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 a poor grade point average of D, Possession of smartphones (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%). Conclusion: 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 about 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 tertiary institutions. Recommendation: 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 to by-laws and regulations to limit sports betting in tertiary institutions.