Browsing by Author "Wilson, Elinami"

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    Determinants of youth participation in sports betting: A case study of Mzumbe Ward, Mvomero District, Morogoro, Tanzania
    (Mzumbe University, 2025) Wilson, Elinami
    The growing involvement of youth in sports betting activities presents serious social and economic challenges, especially in developing countries like Tanzania, where unemployment and limited recreational options are common. This study aimed to examine the determinants of youth participation in sports betting in Mzumbe Ward, Mvomero District, Tanzania. Guided by three specific objectives, the research explored youth perceptions of the risks and benefits of sports betting and analyzed the economic and social determinants contributing to their engagement. A cross sectional design was adopted, employing a mixed-methods approach that combined quantitative data from 362 survey respondents with qualitative insights from interviews and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics, content analysis, and binary logistic regression (using SPSS v25) were utilized for data analysis. The results showed that while some youth view sports betting as a source of entertainment and potential income, the majority (74.6%) believe that risks such as strained relationships, financial loss, addiction, and mental health issues outweigh the benefits. Economic determinants, including financial pressure (p = 0.016), income levels (p = 0.024), and employment status (p = 0.030), were found to significantly influence betting behavior. Youth under financial stress were more likely to participate, whereas employed individuals were less likely to engage. Furthermore, social determinants such as peer influence (p = 0.001), family background (p = 0.002), gender (p = 0.006), and education level (p = 0.011) also had significant effects. In conclusion, both economic and social determinants have a significant impact on youth involvement in sports betting. The study recommends multi-sectoral measures for the Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT), social service organizations, and educational institutions, including public awareness campaigns, economic empowerment initiatives, stricter gambling regulations, and the provision of alternative recreational activities to foster positive youth development.