Case Study: Sports Betting Behavior in Tanzania

Research with regular sports bettors in urban Tanzania found that many significantly overestimate their chances of winning. When given bets framed like football match outcomes versus lotteries with identical odds, many valued the sports bets much more highly. The framing (familiar teams, leagues) and their belief in their own knowledge seemed to inflate expectations. Lesson: Even without a public success story, this reveals one of the biggest pitfalls—believing one has skill or superior knowledge often causes people to misjudge risk. To “be successful,” bettors must guard against this bias.

Student Bettors in Higher Learning Institutions

Another study looked at university and college students in Tanzania and found that over 95% of student bettors in those institutions are male. Social media, friends, and betting shops were main sources of information. Some used family money or student loans for betting. Problems noted: adverse academic performance and sometimes substance abuse linked to betting behaviours. Lesson: Even among young people, betting is widespread—but high participation doesn’t equate to profitability or long-term success. Funding bets through loans or non-disposable income is risky.

Motivations & Frequency

In urban bettors, most people said they bet “to make money” rather than for fun. Frequency was high and the proportion of income allocated to betting was significant for many. Lesson: A bettor who treats betting like a side strategy or supplemental income must measure it like one: track bets, returns, losses, risk. A mindset of trying to “make money” can push a bettor into chasing losses.

Why There Are Few Public Success Stories

Betting is private, and successful bettors seldom publish exact results. Regulation and social norms in Tanzania may limit open disclosure. Many studies focus on risks and negative impacts rather than celebrating winners.

Hypothetical Best Practices for Success

From those studies and similar behavioural insights, these are what would likely set apart more successful bettors in Tanzania or similar environments:

1. Strong data gathering and local knowledge – understanding local leagues, player conditions, injuries etc.
2. Discipline and bankroll management – only risk money you can afford to lose, avoid using essential funds like tuition.
3. Being aware of cognitive biases – avoid overconfidence; treat odds realistically.
4. Diversifying strategies – not all bets same sport, type, or risk. Maybe specialize but also hedge when needed.
5. Keeping records and reviewing performance – track wins vs losses, learn what works.