Abstract:
Sports betting appears to be a common practice among Ghana's teeming youth, and it
is gaining traction in educational institutions. The study investigated the impact of
sports betting activities on the academic work of teacher-trainees of Bagabaga College
of Education in the Northern Region. The study intended to address four research
objectives: (1) identify what influences teacher-trainees' sports betting activities, (2)
comprehend the perceived benefits of sports betting, (3) examine the effects of sports
betting on teacher-trainees' academic work, and (4) recommend ways to reduce teacher
trainees' involvement in sports betting. Using a qualitative approach, interviews were
conducted with a sample of 20 teacher-trainees obtained by the adoption of purposive
and snowballing techniques. Using thematic analysis of Braun and Clarke's model, it is
discovered that financial benefits are the primary motivator for teacher-trainees' betting
actions through their participation. The findings also reveal that peer pressure, betting
commercials, curiosity, cost of living, and free Wi-Fi play important roles as
inducements for trainees' betting activities in Colleges of Education. Again, the findings
highlight how their gambling habits boost socialisation and serve as a stress reliever for
them on campus. Betting addiction, dislike for study groups, restless nights, loss of
attention in class, and obsessive selling of mobile phones were revealed as negative
consequences of their betting activities, leading to poor academic performance. In order
to address some of these issues, the study recommends stakeholders such as the
Ministry of Education and educational partners to launch regular educational
campaigns, as well as the government providing policies that can help reduce sports
betting among teacher-trainees and the youth. Also, if possible, it can be taught as a
course at educational institutes, as proposed in the literature. Finally, the report
recommends that College Management frequently block betting-related websites on
trainees' Wi-Fi platforms while also ensuring that the Gaming Commission of Ghana
scrutinises advertising content in the media.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Health, Physical Education,
Recreation and Sports, Faculty of Science Education
submitted to the School of Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirement for the award of degree
Master of Philosophy
(Physical Education)
in the University of Education, Winneba
