Sex differences in gambling among Ghanaian children: a mixed-method cross-sectional study

Despite the global ban on child gambling, it is widespread in many countries, including Ghana. Studies on child gambling indicate that the phenomenon is more pervasive in male children than female children. However, there are few studies on sex differences in child gambling. This study examined the sex differences in the knowledge of what constitutes gambling, the prevalence of gambling participation, the kinds of gambling engaged in, and the predictors of gambling participation in Ghana. This study used mixed-method data from the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection. The study measured child gambling by looking at lifetime gambling participation among children aged 8–17. We analyzed the quantitative data using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s Chi-square test, and binary logistic regression, while the qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study found that more male children (93.5%) knew what constitutes gambling than female children (61.4%). Similarly, more male children (5.3%) than female children (0.8%) had ever participated in gambling. More male children participated in sports betting, whereas more female children participated in card games, lotteries, and slot/poker/roulette games. In terms of the predictors of gambling participation, age, and living arrangements were common significant predictors of gambling participation among male and female children. However, educational attainment, ecological zone, and having a friend who gambles were significant predictors of gambling participation among male children. Also, religion was a significant predictor of gambling participation among female children. This study demonstrates the need for sex-specific interventions to curb child gambling in Ghana.