Study Reveals Over 70% of Ugandan Youth Involved in Gambling.

A recent study has revealed that more than 70% of young people in Uganda have engaged in some form of gambling. Conducted by students from Kampala International School of Uganda (KISU) as part of their IGCSE Global Perspectives Team Project, the research aims to shed light on youth gambling and promote responsible practices.

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The students surveyed 150 participants, ensuring anonymity to protect the identities of those involved. Their findings revealed alarming trends:

• Over 70% of respondents admitted to gambling, including activities such as sports betting, online casinos, and scratch cards.
• A significant number of young gamblers—around 40.3%—said they continued betting after losing money in an attempt to recover their losses, a behavior referred to as “chasing losses.”
• On average, respondents lost UGX 185,932 to gambling—nearly three times more than the average amount they gained.

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The study highlights the dangers of gambling at a young age. Chasing losses, in particular, can lead to financial and emotional distress. Raising awareness about these risks is crucial to fostering responsible gambling habits.

The students have partnered with the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) of Uganda to address these concerns. The NLGRB supported the study and helped the students create the survey. Together, they plan to launch an awareness campaign to educate young people about the risks of underage and irresponsible gambling.

This campaign will focus on informing young gamblers and their communities about making informed choices when participating in gambling activities. The NLGRB has praised the students for their efforts in tackling such an important issue and for promoting responsible practices in the gambling sector.

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