Determinants of Sports Betting Among Urban Youth in Tanzania: Evidence from Mwanza City

Sports betting has expanded rapidly across sub-Saharan Africa, raising concerns about its social, economic, and public health implications, particularly among youth. This study examined the determinants of sports betting among urban youth in Mwanza City, Tanzania. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 respondents aged 18 years and above who had previously engaged in sports betting. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Spearman correlation, and logistic regression models. Results showed high betting prevalence, with 53% reporting daily or weekly participation. Betting was associated with several adverse outcomes, including concentration difficulties (66.5%), financial challenges (62.0%), and missed school or work responsibilities (56.0%). Frequent betting was significantly associated with education level, risk awareness, age group, and marital status (p < 0.001). Logistic regression indicated that tertiary education (OR = 0.123) and risk awareness (OR = 0.175) significantly reduced the likelihood of frequent betting, while females had higher odds (OR = 2.893). The study highlights education and risk awareness as key protective factors and recommends strengthening gambling education, counselling services, and regulatory enforcement to reduce youth betting risks in Tanzania.