Betting has become a lifestyle for many sports lovers in Kenya and around the world.
What really is betting?
Sports betting is the in thing in Kenya currently, thanks to the internet of things and online money transfer services like Mpesa, Airtel money, Telkom cash etc.
Sports betting is a kind of gambling where you place your money on the outcome of a game, be it Football, Tennis, etc and if your prediction turns out to be true, you win the bet.
While it is a risky business to engage in, many have made a lot of cash from it and even become millionaires.
However, many have lost a lot of money as some have even gone to the extent of selling their properties to bet.
The most vulnerable are young people in society. It is reported that some young people have even resigned from their jobs just to concentrate on betting.
Sadly enough, some have even lost lost their lives after putting huge sum of money on betting then losing.
But where is the origin of all these mess?
All these information are found everywhere- every radio station advertises them each and every minute, social media sites are also filled with betting ads and not forgetting the outdoor advertising.
Government’s Intervention
The government of Kenya has made its threat on betting firms true and has since set a rule to control betting practice by banning betting advertisements effective May 30, 2019.
While the society will likely be divided on this matter, this progressive step taken by the government will reduce its impact on the most vulnerable, who are the youth and poor populace to reduce poverty.