Lack of Online Gambling Regulation in The African Continent Raises Concern

The devastating consequences of gambling addiction in Sub-Saharan Africa are coming to light, as bereaved mother Kettie Bonongwe shares her heartbreaking story.

Bonongwe’s 16-year-old son, Wati, tragically took his own life, allegedly driven by the overwhelming influence of gambling. The bereaved mother reveals how her son’s academic performance had deteriorated and recently he had also held back from contributing to the family’s financial needs. Furthermore, in the days leading up to his death, he was being pursued for unpaid debts. This is why Wati’s mother firmly attributes the cause of her son’s demise to the prevalence of betting companies, particularly Premier Bet, operating in the region.

The Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit (Meiru) conducted a study that corroborated Bonongwe’s observations. Interviews with Wati’s mother, uncle, and best friend revealed instances of theft, deceit, damaged relationships, and significant distress—all linked to his gambling addiction. This evidence tallies with research suggesting that problem gambling can escalate to such an extent that it triggers suicide attempts.

Rise in Online Gambling And Concerns Of “Exploitative Practices” 

Malawi, along with other African countries such as Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, has experienced a surge in gambling activities since 2015. This prevalence in online gambling seems to be a cause of concern that extends across the entire African continent, even in South Africa, where operators showcased on NoDepositWorld offering SA no deposit bonuses to players are licensed and regulated. It is becoming apparent that these social cases need some serious addressing.

The proliferation of smartphones and improved internet access has further fueled the rise of online gambling, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic back in 2020, with international gambling corporations capitalizing on Africa’s untapped potential, specifically targeting vulnerable populations.

Manase Chiweshe, a lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe, highlights the “exploitative practices” of gambling companies, emphasizing their failure to implement “social or community programs to address the dangers of gambling”.

Widespread Poverty And Lack Of Effective Regulation Exacerbate The Problem

Up to 40% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa live below the poverty line, making gambling an appealing source of income and hope for a better life. However, the adverse effects are devastating. Gambling-related harms, including crime, domestic violence, family breakdowns, and mental health problems, often go unnoticed.

Another cause of concern is the alarming frequency of gambling advertisements across various media platforms. Prominently featuring football “heroes,” advertisements inundate rural areas, social media, and television screens during live football games. Tunde Adebisi, a Nigerian researcher, conducted a study that revealed betting brand advertisements appearing every minute throughout a 90-minute Premier League game. This constant bombardment of betting brand promotions and the prevalence of gambling ads on billboards and social media platforms perpetuates the normalization and acceptance of gambling.

While concrete data on the extent of gambling-related harm in sub-Saharan Africa remains scarce, anecdotal evidence reveals an alarming human cost. In fact, tragic cases such as gambling-related suicides, crime, and even prostitution to settle debts have been reported.

Further significant issues include compulsive gambling among Ethiopian adolescents and gambling problems among Ugandan youths, with health professionals, such as Dr. Mark Mohan Kaggwa in Uganda, witnessing a disturbing trend of gambling addiction among young individuals. While regulations exist to prohibit individuals under 25 from gambling, enforcement is lax, allowing the industry to exploit vulnerable populations, including children.

Mother’s Loss: Catalyst For Stronger Regulations To Protect Vulnerable Populations?

Kettie Bonongwe, still grappling with grief, pleads for gambling companies to leave her community. As a single mother with two other children facing health challenges, she depended on Wati’s income to survive. Wati’s loss has left her destitute, without hope for a better future.

Her plea for gambling companies to leave her community echoes the sentiment felt by countless families across Sub-Saharan Africa, where the consequences of unregulated gambling are proving to be catastrophic. Such devastating repercussions demand urgent attention and comprehensive regulation to protect vulnerable populations from the exploitative practices of gambling companies. Failure to act swiftly will perpetuate a cycle of misery and hardship, leaving families shattered and lives destroyed.