The socioeconomic effects of sports betting on the lives of male youths in Bulenga, Wakiso District

Abstract

This study focused on the socio-economic effects of sports betting on the lives of male youths in Bulenga Wakiso district. It was based on three objectives namely; the prevalence of sports betting among the youths, the factors that push the youths into sports betting and the socio-economic effects of sports betting on the lives of male youths. The study was quantitative in nature and therefore quantitative methods of data collection were used. The study employed a sample size of 115 male respondents in Bulenga Wakiso district. The respondents were selected using random sampling techniques, the participants were selected on purpose that they had engaged in betting before. Data was collected using face to face interviews and documentary reviews. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the youths (51%) were engaged in sports betting and the most commonly mode of betting was the use of the internet where most of the youths were using online betting. The study further revealed that the youths are pushed into sports betting by the need to find an income and a source of living. The youths in Uganda are facing cases of widespread poverty and unemployment and therefore they resort to sports betting to earn an income and as well improve their conditions of living with one’s luck. The study further explored the effects of sports betting on the lives of the male youths and on these 71% agreed that sports betting had negatively affected their income. The study therefore found it out that the youths are affected many have lost jobs, dropped out of school, neglected their families, and being rejected in their families. The study further explored the different strategies employed by the youths to minimise the negative effects of sports betting and these included engaging in other meaningful activities, having a good choice of friends one has. Conclusively, the negative socioeconomic effects of sports betting outweigh the positive effects.