Gambling is a game of chance that involves risking something of value on an uncertain event in hopes of winning something of greater value.
In Kenya, it has become the in thing especially among the youths. We are familiar with suicide cases of losers of huge amounts of money on gambling or betting scenarios. It’s sad that it has gotten to this!
Types of gambling
Casino bingo games, horse racing tracks, sports betting parlors, lotteries and scratch off tickets, throwing dice games, betting on elections, weather, football and other sports are the most common.
Some of Kenya’s gambling and casino facilities include Safari Park Hotel & Casino, Captains Club Casino, and Golden Key Casino .
Gambling has emerged over time and is now done mostly on online casinos like Betin Kenya which offers casino games at a charge, provided there is internet connection. For the online casinos, there are various software that offer user friendly gaming facilities.
Why almost everyone is gambling
Most forms of gambling are compatible with laptops, desktops and mobile phones. There are also unique themes on the games which make them attractive and deceptive to the players.
Most gamblers like the excellent support team and customer service on betting sites. Promotions and bonuses are also key motivators to potential gamblers.
The most prevalent gambling in Kenya today is Sportpesa, commonly entailing placing bets on the football teams the bettors support. This of course happens before the game. The outcome of the game is what determines whether one loses or wins.
Gambling addiction has become the order of the day today. Since it involves looking for easy money, it’s always associated with financial distress.
With the common saying that ‘the house always wins’ gamblers always experience stress due to the losses they have to face.
What exactly leads to gambling addiction?
When you have small amounts of money that you want to double, triple or quadruple. In short, the desire to convert small money to big money.
Unending desire to win by risking playing games. Gambling games involves chances, so anything is expected.
There’s a rush and thrill associated with being a successful gambler. Everyone wants the label.
The lighting and the fun atmosphere of the gambling scene attracts most people to try their luck.
Signs that you are addicted to gambling
- You want your gambling habit to remain a secret. Those closest to you are unaware of your gambling escapades.
- You are unable to control this habit. More so the time you spend doing it. Your world solely revolves around gambling
- You regularly go out of your way to gamble. Even if it means getting into debt to source the money.
- You try to stop but you gamble more and more expecting wins
- Yes, your loved ones can tell whether you are addicted to gambling. If they raise a concern on your new found hobby, just know it is time you stop.
Effects of Gambling Addiction
Excessive betting can lead to anxiety, depression, hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. Physically, gambling causes sleeplessness which result to pale skin, weight disorders, acne and black patches around the eyes.
Gambling addiction in Kenya has also led to other addictions that act as coping mechanisms. Such addictions include alcohol, drugs and other crimes; they help ease the anxiety from gambling
When most youths and breadwinners engage in gambling, there’re likely to have destroyed relationships. This is mostly as a result of irresponsibility in terms of finances at family level.
The rising number of jobless youths in Kenya has led to the rise of gambling activities. The negativity part of it is the crime associated with it. Since gambling addiction is an expense itself, most addicts find themselves even stealing to sustain their putting stakes lifestyle.
The emergence of digital technology in Kenya has made gambling addiction rise. Smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops availability have made gambling even easier as it can be accessed anywhere anytime. There is now what we call virtual betting which encourages multi bets after multi bets and this costs more, hence more frustrating to losers.
The government is in crisis on whether to ban gambling or not. With the huge sums of money they rake from the high tax revenue on gambling facilities, it is almost next to impossible to ban this big business.
Conclusion
Gambling addiction has taken control of most young people in Kenya. However, you can make a decision to limit the activity by not spending all your finances on bets.
If you want to have a peaceful sleep, peace of mind and financial stability, it’s time to quit gambling addiction. The benefits outweigh the downsides.