Betting crisis, the allure of easy money

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IN the fast-paced world we live in today, the desire for instant success and financial prosperity has never been more pronounced. With the explosion of online platforms and betting companies offering quick, tantalising rewards, many young people are falling into the trap of believing that gambling is their shortcut to wealth.

While the idea of making easy money through sports betting or similar avenues is alluring, the reality is often far more destructive. In Tanzania, the effects of this growing gambling culture are becoming increasingly evident, particularly among the youth.

A few years ago, a tragedy in Morogoro highlighted the dire consequences of the desire for easy money. Over 100 people lost their lives when they attempted to siphon fuel from an overturned oil tanker, only for the vehicle to explode. Tragically, many of the victims were young people, whose lives were cut short because of their pursuit of a quick, unsafe profit. This incident was not an isolated case.

In fact, it is merely a reflection of a wider societal issue that is now spiralling out of control, gambling addiction among the youth, driven by the same allure of easy money.

The rise of sports betting in Tanzania has been meteoric. What was once considered a recreational pastime has now become an addiction for many, especially young men. Platforms that offer the chance to place bets on international football matches, basketball games and even local tournaments have flourished in the country.

This shift in gambling culture has been propelled by digital and print media advertisements that flaunt the so-called “success stories” of individuals who have won massive jackpots from their small wagers. The promotion of these platforms has left many youths convinced that they too could be the next lucky winner. But the reality is far grimmer. Many young people, particularly those who are unemployed or underemployed, see betting as their only route out of financial hard ship.

Their fixation on winning big blinds them to the risks and consequences, as they continue to bet away money they can ill afford to lose. The situation is further exacerbated by the absence of clear legal frameworks governing betting and gambling in Tanzania.

With limited regulation in place, betting companies are allowed to set their own rules and operate unchecked, preying on the vulnerability of an impressionable young demographic.

For Hellena Nyakundi, a mother of four from Tabata in Dar es Salaam, the issue hits very close to home. Her eldest son, 21-yearold Samwel Marwa, has fallen into the trap of gambling. Samwel, a bodaboda rider, was introduced to sports betting by his friends, and soon after, he became hooked. Hellena recalls the days when Samwel would bring home small earnings from his work as a motorbike rider, but after his addiction to betting took hold, his entire financial mindset shifted.

“At first, he would just bet casually. But then, it grew to an obsession,” Hellena explains.

“Now, he spends most of his earnings on betting, hoping for that big win that will turn his life around.” Unfortunately, Samwel’s story is far from unique. Hellena watches in helplessness as her son becomes more and more engrossed in his betting habits.

“I try to talk to him, to warn him that he is wasting his future away, but it’s like talking to a wall,” she says. “He’s convinced that the next bet will be the one that makes him rich. It’s like he can’t stop, even though he knows it’s ruining him.”

The emotional toll that Samwel’s addiction has taken on Hellena is evident. As a mother, she fears for his future and worries about the damage this addiction could cause to his personal relationships and his ability to provide for his family.

“He’s losing focus on everything else. His work, his education and even his social life are all being sacrificed for the chance to win big,” – she laments.

“I’m scared he might even lose his job or worse, get into more trouble trying to chase that elusive jackpot.”

The impact of betting addiction is not only emotional but also psychological. Dr Bethuel Urio, a psychologist based in Mwanza, has worked with numerous individuals battling gambling addiction. According to Dr Urio, betting addiction is a mental health issue that requires urgent attention.

“Gambling addiction, like other forms of addiction, is driven by a compulsive need to experience the rush of winning,” – Dr Urio explains.

“The thrill of placing a bet and the potential of an immediate reward hijacks the brain’s reward system, making it difficult for an individual to stop, even when they know it’s damaging.”

Dr Urio points out that addiction to gambling can lead to a host of problems, including financial ruin, relationship breakdowns and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.”

“Young people, especially those who are unemployed, are particularly vulnerable. They see gambling as a way out of their financial struggles, but more often than not, it leads them further down a destructive path,” – he adds.

In Tanzania, where the socio-economic landscape can be challenging, gambling has become an outlet for many seeking quick relief. However, without proper legal structures in place to control and regulate gambling activities, the problem is likely to continue spiralling.

Dr Urio calls for increased awareness about the dangers of gambling and for the government to implement more stringent laws to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly the youth. The absence of clear and comprehensive laws regulating gambling in Tanzania is a major factor contributing to the growing crisis. Unlike in other countries where gambling is tightly controlled, betting companies in Tanzania operate with minimal oversight.

Many of these companies are only required to obtain a licence to operate, but there are no strict regulations governing the marketing of gambling services, particularly to younger audiences. This lack of regulation has allowed betting companies to flood the market with advertisements that glorify the idea of easy money, further enticing vulnerable individuals to get involved.

In Cambodia, a similar gambling addiction crisis led to the implementation of strict laws and measures aimed at curbing the negative effects of gambling. Cambodia introduced measures such as self-exclusion programmes, counselling services for addicted gamblers and advertising restrictions, which have proven to be effective in reducing the rates of gambling addiction.

Tanzania could follow suit by implementing similar strategies, which would include better regulation of betting companies and the establishment of support systems for those affected by gambling addiction. The growing gambling epidemic in Tanzania is a warning sign that the country must take immediate action to protect its youths from falling deeper into addiction While the allure of easy money will always be a temptation, it is essential to equip young people with the knowledge and support they need to resist the dangerous draw of gambling.

Hellena Nyakundi’s voice serves as a reminder of the personal toll that gambling addiction can take. “I just want him to stop and live a better life,” she says, her eyes filled with concern.

For Samwel and countless others like him, the dream of quick riches may seem enticing, but the reality is far more destructive. It’s time for Tanzanians to confront this issue headon before it spirals further out of control. With the right measures in place, we can help steer the next generation away from the dangers of gambling and towards a brighter, more secure future.

Source: dailynews.co.tz