Sports Betting and Psychosocial Well-Being of Boda-Boda Riders: Perspectives from Kajiado County, Kenya

Psychosocial well-being is an important component of overall health and quality of life, as it encompasses both psychological and social factors that influence how individuals cope with stress, form relationships, and function within their communities. However, the convenience of mobile betting platforms has led to a surge in sports betting activities, particularly among low-income groups such as boda-boda riders. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of sports betting on the psychosocial well-being of boda-boda riders in Kajiado County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to examine the effect of sports betting on the psychological well-being of boda-boda riders and establish its effect on their social well-being. The study was guided by Cognitive Behavioural Theory and Social Learning Theory. A mixed-method research design was adopted, targeting 21,568 registered boda-boda riders in Kajiado County. The sample size of 379 riders was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan Table. Additionally, five boda-boda SACCO leaders participated in in-depth interviews. The study covered all five sub-counties of Kajiado County: Kajiado North, Kajiado South, Kajiado Central, Kajiado West, and Kajiado East. Data were collected using the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI), the Mental Health Continuum Short Form Scale (MHC-SF), questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interview schedules, capturing both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics, including linear regression analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically using content analysis. The findings revealed that sports betting explained 68.2% of the variation in psychosocial well-being (R² = 0.682), indicating a significant negative effect. Specifically, a unit increase in sports betting was associated with a 0.396 unit decrease in psychosocial well-being (β = -0.396, p < .001). The ANOVA results further confirmed the model’s significance (F = 66.86, p < .001). These findings indicate that increased engagement in sports betting is associated with emotional distress, financial instability, and weakened social relationships among boda-boda riders. The study concludes that sports betting has a significant negative effect on the psychosocial well-being of boda-boda riders in Kajiado County. The study recommends the implementation of structured interventions, including financial literacy programs, accessible counseling services, and policy measures to regulate gambling participation.