Influence of sports betting on academic work among Teacher-Trainees of Bagabaga College of Education, Northern Region, Ghana.

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.