The Socioeconomic Impact of Sports Betting On Education and Food Security Among Youth in Aweil Town, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State (NBeGs), South Sudan.

The study explored the intricate dynamics of the socioeconomic impact of sports betting on education and food security among youth in Aweil town, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State (NBeGs), South Sudan. The primary aim was to examine the socioeconomic impact of sports betting on education and food security among youth in Aweil Town. The objectives include examining the extent of youth involvement in sports betting and its underlying socioeconomic drivers, assessing the impact of sports betting on educational attainment and food security, exploring community perceptions and institutional responses to the effects of sports betting on youth welfare and examining the relationship between sports betting and key socioeconomic outcomes. This research held significant value, offering insights into the socioeconomic impact of sports betting on education and food security among the youth. The findings are anticipated to contribute to the understanding of the socioeconomic impact of sports betting on education and food security. A case study descriptive methods approach was employed, encompassing surveys to gather quantitative data and interviews for qualitative insights. The study revealed an alarmingly high level of youth engagement in sports betting, with 90.6% of respondents. It also illustrated that sports betting has a notable impact on educational attainment (61.9%). Most respondents (62.5%) equally believe that sports betting has a positive impact on their lives. The study equally revealed a positive relationship between sports betting and socioeconomic outcomes among youth in Aweil town. The study concluded that sports betting is predominantly practised by young, unemployed males, with a significant portion having secondary-level education. Most respondents engaged in daily betting, mostly motivated by the desire for financial gains and as a coping mechanism against unemployment. While some respondents believe that betting offers positive outcomes mainly through the occasional financial wins, quantitative evidence suggests detrimental effects on educational attainment, food security, livelihoods, and overall financial well-being.