KIBIWOT: GAMBLING- NEW NORM AMONG YOUTH

Gambling is addictive, beware

GAMBLING which is defined as “staking money or something of material value on an event having an uncertain outcome in the hope of winning additional value has unfortunately become the new norm and “part time job” among the energetic youth of Kenya.

Statistics do not lie. A research conducted by the Geo poll over the past years outlined that those of age 18 and above in Kenya, shocking 57 percent have participated in gambling in the past. Out of those who gamble, 47 percent are light gamblers who place bets once in a month or less.

To make the matter worse, online sport betting has gained prominence in Africa especially in Kenya and is facing competition from casino, poker and lotteries.

However, let’s draw our attention from the outlined research and get informed on how one falls a victim unknowingly into the trap of sport betting.

To understand the lpain of gambling, I once had a candid conversation with John Mwangi, a recovering addict, who willingly shared his experience. Here is his story:

“I think my betting addiction began while I was in high school sometimes ago, after I won two thousand shillings. I was very excited and thought this was the way to go in terms of making easy money,” he said.

The first cash John won marked the beginning of his gambling habit, which worsened after he joined University leading him to spend most of his time in gambling dens which were unregulated and where children could also place bet.

However, it’s disheartening, how he would raise the money spent on gambling “I had to sell some of my school properties, obtaining loan on the mobile platform and went further to commit crime”.

Until today he regrets joining gambling that led to the addiction. He however, gives gratitude to his parents for guiding him back to the correct path.

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It’s evident that gambling addiction comes with many negative effects which start off small and often build up, causing stress in our lives. The most advanced signs of gambling influence include, reduced work or study performance, financial difficulties, anger, , feeling of shame and hopelessness.

A philosopher once said  “one of the biggest mistake you can make is lying to yourself,” this reflects on how most of the gamblers live in denial as lying becomes their second nature. What are some of the common lies compulsive gamblers tell? Read on:

First, I can stop any time I want, this phrase is to prove that one can stay away from the habit.

I am able to control my gambling but the reality is that he cannot set aside his addiction behavior.

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Though we tend to sing and indicate the effect s of gambling, it’s important for Kenyans to learn the warning signs of gambling addiction among our youths in the society and how to help one before it’s to late. Remember, a gambler is nothing but a man who makes his living out of false hope.

Antony Kibiwot is a journalism Student, KCA University