Abstract:
This study examines the prevalence and influencing factors of
sports betting behavior among students at Koforidua Technical
University in September 2023. Through extensive data analysis, the
research unveils that sports betting is a widespread activity among
the student body, influenced by a complex interplay of
psychological, technological, and motivational factors.
Psychologically, cognitive biases such as availability heuristics,
gamblers fallacy, outcome bias, hindsight bias, and confirmation
bias, coupled with emotions, play a significant role in shaping
students' betting decisions. The study also highlights the
substantial influence of Information Technology (IT), including
online platforms, digital advertisements, mobile applications,
social media, mobile money and features such as in-play-betting,
cashout and partial cashout in facilitating easy access to sports
betting opportunities.
Motivational factors behind students' sports betting engagement
include the desire to win money, peer influence, financial strain
or unemployment, entertainment, and curiosity. The study
underscores the need for awareness campaigns, educational
programs, and support services to address these motivations and
promote responsible gambling behavior.
