Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to explore student experiences of sports betting in Kwame
Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. The research approach was qualitative
whilst phenomenological design was adopted to achieve the goal of the study. Field data
was collected from 8 participants with the aid of interviews. Data was analysed using
thematic narratives while secondary sources were collected from existing documents,
reports, textbooks, newspaper publications and internet search. Participants were selected
using snowball sampling technique. The study found that the participants have positive
perception towards sports betting since it is a source of fund and a positive initiative in
sports development. The study also found that peer pressure, lack of jobs and covetousness
were the factors that result to betting amongst the participants. Furthermore, sports betting
adversely and positively affect students’ psychological and emotional well-being, results
to poor academic performance, and leads to suicidal thoughts. Again, the study found that
most sports betters resort to use of alcohol and the solace they find in friends as a means
of coping with the effects of sports betting. It is concluded that students’ betters in Kwame
Nkrumah University of Science and Technology have positive perception towards betting
albeit its negative consequences, do not see anything wrong with sports betting. The study
recommends that the government and the university take steps to reduce the exposure of
sports betting information and solicitation to students. Also, parents should be motivated
by school counsellors to take up their responsibility of assisting their wards to attain their
educational goals.
Description:
A thesis in the department of Psychology and Education of Faculty of Educational
Studies, Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, in partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the award of degree of Master of Philosophy
(Guidance and Counselling)
In the University of Education, Winneba
JULY, 2022