Examining the Potential Link between Gambling and Crime among Youths and the Management of Controls and Legislation on Sports Betting in Bungoma County, Kenya

Abstract

Sports betting is an exponentially growing industry around the globe for a couple of years. However, gambling is risky having financial consequences for its participants.  Its an essentially contested notion, the boundaries of which are both porous and problematic in all countries. There is a lack of much research on the impact of Betting in the Kenyan context. Consequently, this study assessed sports betting impact in Kenya with aim of examining the potential link between gambling and crime among youths and also establishing the role of the controls and legislation on sports betting. The study utilized a descriptive research design using quantitative research approach. The study population included individuals engaging in sports betting within Bungoma County. Purposive, stratified and simple random sampling were used to sample 100 respondents for the study. Collected data was analyzed using MS Excel worksheets using descriptive statistics of frequency distributions, means and modes. Analyzed data was presented using tables and figures. The study employed the theoretical framework of Robert Merton of Strain. They presumed that with increased gambling rate, more opportunities for crime will exist. To test this proposition, the frequency of crime before and after the introduction of gambling in Bungoma County. The study compared the rate of crimes before and after introduction of gambling. The conventional wisdom among opponents of gambling is that they attract many undesirables to the community, thereby increasing crime and social disorganization. Robbery, fraud, and aggravated assault was determined if it increased, high rates of indebtedness, suicide, social isolation and gambling-related crime often accompany gambling. As a consequence, gambling addiction represents a mental disorder with a significant economic burden.