Exploring student experiences of sports betters in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore student experiences of sports betting in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. The research approach was qualitative whilst phenomenological design was adopted to achieve the goal of the study. Field data was collected from 8 participants with the aid of interviews. Data was analysed using thematic narratives while secondary sources were collected from existing documents, reports, textbooks, newspaper publications and internet search. Participants were selected using snowball sampling technique. The study found that the participants have positive perception towards sports betting since it is a source of fund and a positive initiative in sports development. The study also found that peer pressure, lack of jobs and covetousness were the factors that result to betting amongst the participants. Furthermore, sports betting adversely and positively affect students’ psychological and emotional well-being, results to poor academic performance, and leads to suicidal thoughts. Again, the study found that most sports betters resort to use of alcohol and the solace they find in friends as a means of coping with the effects of sports betting. It is concluded that students’ betters in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology have positive perception towards betting albeit its negative consequences, do not see anything wrong with sports betting. The study recommends that the government and the university take steps to reduce the exposure of sports betting information and solicitation to students. Also, parents should be motivated by school counsellors to take up their responsibility of assisting their wards to attain their educational goals.