The Detrimental Effects of Technology on the Academic Performance of University Student Athletes: The Implications of Online Sports Betting in Kenya

Purpose: This study explores the impact of technology, particularly online sports betting, on the academic performance of university student-athletes in Kenya. While technology offers opportunities, it also creates challenges, such as distractions, poor time management, sleep disruption, and financial or psychological distress. Methodology: This study employed a descriptive research design targeting 24,639 student-athletes and university sports officers across Kenyan universities. Using simple random sampling, a representative sample of 423 participants was selected, including 385 athletes and 38 sports officers. Data collection involved self-report questionnaires, observation score sheets, and key informant protocols, with gambling behaviors carefully recorded during observations. Findings: The regression analysis showed that gambling severity explains 5% of the variance in students’ academic performance (R² = 0.05), with the model being statistically significant (F = 12.907, p < 0.001). The regression coefficient (β = 0.346, p < 0.001) indicates a positive and significant relationship, meaning that an increase in gambling severity predicts poorer academic performance. Additionally, demographic factors significantly moderated this relationship, increasing the explained variance to 56.6% (R² = 0.566, F = 3.07, p < 0.001). This suggests that demographic characteristics strongly influence how gambling severity affects academic outcomes, aligning with findings that socioeconomic background relates to gambling addiction and its effects. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Based on the study findings, it was recommended that the Online sports betting companies should engage scholars in formulating policies that advocate for responsible gambling practices while mitigating the risks associated with academic detrimental online betting behaviours. Secondly, prior to granting licenses, betting companies should implement technological solutions that empower users to establish personal gambling limits, particularly for student-athletes representing Kenyan universities, to prevent excessive spending and potential addiction. Third, both public and private higher education institutions should create betting policies that foster mental wellbeing, which may include regular mental health workshops and screenings.