Alcohol Consumption and Sports-betting Among Young Male Motorcycle Taxi Bodaboda Riders in Urban Southwestern Uganda

Abstract Introduction: The popularity of sports-betting is growing globally and may be associated with alcohol consumption among young adults. In this study, we examine the relationship between alcohol consumption plus other substances with sports-betting in a group of young adult males in Uganda. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study and interviewed male motorcycle taxi bodaboda riders in the southwestern Uganda town of Mbarara. We asked questions about alcohol consumption, smoking and history and frequency of sports-betting.Results: We enrolled 401 riders. The median age was 29.0 years, interquartile range 25-32. Seventy four (18.5%) had engaged in sports-betting in the past 30 days. Among those that reported sports-betting, 16(21.6%) engaged daily or almost daily. Alcohol use was significantly associated with gambling with an adjusted risk ratio (aRR) of 2.08(95% CI 1.36, 3.18) among moderate drinkers compared to low or non-drinkers but not among heavy drinkers. Cigarette smoking was significantly associated with sports-betting with an aRR 1.85(95% CI 1.13, 3.01). Conclusion: Our data show sports-betting is common among these relatively young male motorcycle riders, and is associated with alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking. Interventions to regulate sports-betting should be co-packaged with those to reduce alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking among young adult males.