Gambling among Ghanaian tertiary students: Exploring gender dynamics, motivations, and risks in urban Accra, Ghana

Abstract

Gambling among young people in sub-Saharan Africa has emerged as a significant public health concern, with tertiary students in urban areas such as Accra, Ghana, being particularly vulnerable. This study examines gambling behaviours, motivations, and associated risks among undergraduate student gamblers from the University of Ghana, with a focus on gender dynamics and the influence of gambling advertisements. Using a cross-sectional design, the study reveals that gambling is a pervasive activity among tertiary students sampled; among these student gamblers, 84.5% gambled exclusively online (primarily sports betting), while a further 13.8% used both online and in-person modes and 1.7% gambled in person only. Male students reported higher gambling frequency. However, there were no statistically significant differences in gambling addiction levels. Although female students were more exposed to gambling adverts, the difference was equally not statistically significant. These findings notwithstanding, they highlight the need for gender-specific interventions. Financial pressures, peer influence, and the normalization of gambling through media were identified as key motivators for gambling. Exposure to gambling advertisements and financial losses were significant predictors of gambling addiction, emphasizing the role of targeted marketing in exacerbating gambling-related harms. The findings underscore the need for stricter regulations on gambling advertisements, financial literacy programmes, and university-led initiatives to mitigate the negative consequences of gambling among tertiary students. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on youth gambling in sub-Saharan Africa and highlights the importance of addressing the unique vulnerabilities of tertiary students in urban contexts.