Effect of Problem Gambling On Behaviour among Students in Selected Universities in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

The increase of gambling in recent years as an acceptable pastime activity for all age groups is likely to cause increased negative consequences to individuals and society. Gambling is more prevalent among the youth due to their developmental stage, which involves adventure and risky behaviours. The purpose of the study was to explore how problem gambling affects behaviour among students from Multimedia university, Catholic University of East Africa and Riara University in the Nairobi County. The sample population comprised of 164 students across the three universities. The study employed a descriptive research design and applied a two-stage cluster sampling method. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study revealed that gambling among university students was high (58.9%) and that 63.2% of the gamblers were problem gamblers. That male students were gambled more (53,3%) in comparison to their female counterparts at 47.7%. The findings revealed that although there was a correlation between respondent demographic characteristics and the risk of problem gambling, there was no statistical significance between the two. The study concluded that the greatest motivation for gambling was monetary gain at 65.3% and sports betting was the leading activity at 78.9%. In the study it was revealed that those who were gamblers also engaged in alcohol and substance abuse and they were more likely to have: financial management issues (66.7%), family problems (27.6%) and miss school (19.8%) as a result of gambling. The study recommended that education on gambling and its affects be included in the university curriculum as well as strengthening peer counselling for at-risk population.