PERCEPTION AND KNOWLEDGE OF MAASAI MARA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ON GAMBLING

Abstract

ABSTRACT The main aim of this study was to investigate the “perception and knowledge of Maasai Mara university students on gambling among Maasai Mara University students.” The involvement of students in gambling has been considered as a serious concern to parents, government, university authorities and to the entire society in general. The objectives of the study were to establish student’s perceptions of gambling in universities, to find out why students gamble and what makes them gamble, to find out whether gambling is appropriate for university students; to find out if gambling has negative consequences on the academic performance of university students and their social life and to determine the impact of gambling on the lives of university students. To achieve these objectives, a questionnaire containing five sections was developed and standardized. The questionnaire was structured based on research questions, assumptions and objectives. The population of the study comprised of the university students having a total population of 9338. The sample of 80 students were selected which represented 10% of the total population. The study employed simple random sampling technique. Qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques were adopted and results presented using frequency tables, bar graphs, percentages and pie charts. The study revealed that students are not addicted to gambling but gamble to make money and for fun. In conclusions, university administration/Government should take special interest in students gambling habit among the university students. Failure to do this will contribute to an increasing number of students who are at risk of getting addicted to gambling. The recommendations given include: The universities should include education about gambling in university programs including gambling educational programs and awareness seminars, the university should be engaged in the screening of problem gamblers and refer them for guidance and counseling, students who cannot do without gambling should write a monitoring budget to keep track of their finances and the government should implement a clear policy on gambling. Through this, youth will be able to bet responsibly or abstain from it and focus on other income generating activities and other forms of fun