The Prevalence And Effects Of Sports Betting On The Behaviors Of Secondary School Students In Tanzania: The Case Of Dodoma City Council

ABSTRACT 

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and effects of sports betting on the behaviors of secondary school students in Tanzania: The case of Dodoma City Council. Specifically the study focused on; determining the prevalence of sports betting; identifying the inspiration of sports betting; assessing the effects of sports betting on students’ behaviors; and establishing the copping strategies to be used to curb the sports betting epic in secondary school students. The study was limited in covering the administrative districts of the Dodoma City Council (DCC) in Dodoma region, students, discipline and academic heads, heads of schools, Ward Education officer (WEO) and District Education Officer (DEO). The study employed random and purposive sampling techniques to capture the targeted sample population. Data were collected through questionnaires and interview methods and the analysis was done through content analysis for qualitative data and use of computer software SPSS version 16 through descriptive statistics frequency tabulation, bar graphs, pie charts and Chi-Square tests presentations for quantitative data. The study assessed four schools namely Dodoma, Kisasa, Jamhuri and Meriwa secondary schools. These schools are found within Makulu and Makole wards in Dodoma City Council. The study sample size consisted of three hundred and fifty nine (359) students from form one to form five classes, eight (8) academic heads, eight (8) discipline heads, four (4) heads of school, two (2) Ward Education Officers (WEO) and one (1) District Education Officer (DEO). The findings of the study reflect on the demographic information with 55.2% males and 44.8% females, the majority of the respondents aged between 10-17 years with class representation of forms one up to five. 47.4% of the student’s respondents had the high interest and feelings to take the risks of betting. The study revealed that students spend amount of money ranging from 500 to 1000Tshs. The majority of the students lose money ranging from 1000-10000Tshs. Further the study realized that students have parents and fellow students who are bettors. Many students missed classes for betting reasons, punishments included. Finally, the study concluded that the government and the community must be vigilant on controlling betting activities among students.