Factors Influencing Growth Of Gambling Activities In Kenya

ABSTRACT

Growth of gambling in Kenya has been fuelled largely by increasing societal acceptance of gambling as a form of recreation and by the promise of significant economic benefits and tax revenues for the regions in which gambling is done. This study sought to investigate factors influencing growth of gambling activities in Kenya. In conducting the research, descriptive and correlational research designs were adopted. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected using questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Qualitative data was analysed using the content analysis method. The results of the study show that most of the individuals involved in gambling in Kenya were male who are not married and not formally employed or those males from low income households. Sports betting were the most popular type of gambling among the youth whose main motivation to gamble was to make more money from gambling. The study also established that there is a positive and significant relationship between involvement of consumers and growth of gambling; socioeconomic factors positively and significantly related to the growth of gambling activities. Further the study shows that Kenya’s gambling regulatory framework has a direct relationship with growth of gambling. The study recommends betting companies to adopt technology that would allow the user to set the limit of gambling to ensure they do not overspend or to prevent them from being addicts. There is need to educate especially the youth on responsible gambling and ways of avoiding falling into addiction.