In Summary
August 26, 2021
- One commentator equates sports betting to masturbation and alcohol.
- There are more than 40 betting sites in Kenya.
Kenyans on social media are debating the addictive effects of sports gambling, pouring their hearts out on how it’s disrupting normal life and schedules.
One Facebook user equates it to “smoking, alcohol and masturbation.”
The debate was triggered by a question by Ivy Makosi who posed: “How can you stop someone from betting (?) Things a getting out of hand.. hata haogi (he isn’t even pausing to take a shower).”
She does not specify whether its a spouse or sibling she’s seeking help for. But the question triggered a barrage of responses.
“Betting is a serious addition,” replied Bruce Lee Isadia. “He needs therapy but he must understand that that’s not how real men make money. We can’t rely on chances in life, betting robs one of his precious time and money. Talk to him and make him understand he needs help, and if he sees sense in it, look for a good therapist.”
Gambling Analysts
Addicts of sports betting analyse teams and players with a fine tooth comb. They dissect every minute detail -who is injured, benched, on suspension, playing at home etc, to improve their odds of winning on their wager. This is captured in one of the responses to Ivy’s question.
“Btw (By the way) the new EPL, Laliga, Seria A, ligue 1, Bundesliga seasons have just begun this month. Lukaku has been bought by Chelsea, Messi by psg….Bappe is heading to Real madrid… I doubt he’ll be able to stop. I’m sorry. He can’t!! Even Harry Kane is staying at Tottenham. That makes for some big odds,” writes Pitah Mwalimu on the Facebook group 52 Weeks Savings Challenge.
Rebecca Nduta opines that gambling addiction “is soon going to be a national disaster.”
While its possible to win big in the jackpot (in 2017, 28-year-old Samuel Abisai won KSh220m in Sportpesa jackpot), such harvest days are few and far between. For as the proverb coined in Vegas goes, “the house always wins.”
Media Council and BCLB
There are over 40 sports betting sites in Kenya. Industry regulator Betting Control and Licensing Board has licensed more than 85 bookmakers.
Recently, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) formed a taskforce to review betting and related activities in media outlets. The Council is concerned that the content in the gambling advertisements and talk shows “does not meet the standards established in law,” says MCK CEO David Omwoyo.
He adds that the Council is developing structures and processes that will enable organised and collaborative interventions within the sector.
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