Not too long ago, betting was a rare issue in Malawi. It was mostly seen in movies or confined to the few casinos and these were places frequented by the wealthy, the business elite. These are people we can nowadays liken with those belonging to big clubs that do charity work without wanting the public to know what they have donated as, to them, the donations were just compared to their 0.00001 percent of their income and it is a shameful act to come into the public to declare those peanuts. Gambling was, in many ways, a quiet, niche activity.
Fast forward to today; betting has become a normalised part of our lives. It is everywhere, from small townships to cities. Some might describe this as a positive development but what once felt exclusive is now easily accessible.
Little did we know that things will sprawl to the worse with the introduction of international sports betting companies which opened branches across the country as if they were warehouses where agricultural produce were being sold, thanks in large part to mobile money services, increased smartphone ownership and the growing popularity of international sports leagues. With this, sports betting companies have flooded the market, setting up shops such as grocery warehouses present in every corner, always within reach.
Over the past months, we have seen troubling headlines carrying stories of young men taking their own lives after sinking into debt from betting. And, yet, we rarely talk about the link between gambling and mental health. Could it be that, like many suicide-related cases, the underlying causes remain unspoken? Obviously tucked away by families and communities out of fear, shame or confusion?
When people bet, they’re not just gambling with money; they are wagering with their minds. It starts with a small stake: a K1,000 flutter that turns into a big win. The thrill is intoxicating. For a moment, it feels like luck has finally smiled your way. But, then, reality hits. The losses pile up, the stakes get higher and, soon, people are borrowing money, skipping meals or, worse, using funds from their workplaces, all in a desperate attempt to chase that fleeting first win.
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What about the betting companies? They thrive on this cycle. With their bright billboards, catchy promotions and free betting credits, they make it all seem harmless and even exciting, yet behind the flashing lights is a deeply troubling reality of people are becoming addicted.
Just like alcohol or drugs, betting can create a powerful dependency that’s hard to break. And when the losses mount, stress creeps in. Anxiety follows. Depression settles. In the worst cases, it ends in tragedy.
What is particularly painful is how easily this could be curbed. While betting companies offer tiny disclaimers, urging people to “bet responsibly”, their entire marketing model tells a different story. They promise quick riches and a better life, never mind that for most, those promises never come true.
Looking at this situation, our government and regulatory bodies need to act. This is not just an economic issue but a public health crisis. We cannot afford to raise a generation that sees betting as a viable path to success. A generation that prioritises shortcuts over hard work. We need stronger regulation, tighter advertising controls and, above all, more open conversations about the impact of gambling on mental health.
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Let us not wait for more lives to be lost before we act. Betting may promise fast money, but the cost to our people? Mentally, emotionally and financially is far too high.
The author is a psychosocial counsellor
