Kenya is facing a growing concern with the rise of gambling addiction among its population. Betting companies, driven by profit motives, are thriving in an environment with weak regulatory policies, easy access to the Internet, and mobile devices.

A recent report by QuitGamble.com highlighted some alarming statistics related to gambling addiction in America. It revealed that 3% of American gamblers are struggling with significant gambling debts, with 20% of them eventually declaring bankruptcy after losing all their money. Surprisingly, the report also showed that there are more women addicted to gambling than men, with 78% of female addicts facing gambling debts compared to 71% of male addicts.

In Kenya, the popularity of gambling products is on the rise, especially among the youth. A GeoPoll Survey conducted in 2022 ranked Kenya at the top in terms of the percentage of respondents engaging in betting activities, surpassing countries like South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, and Nigeria.

While the allure of quick winnings may attract many to gambling sites and shops, the reality is that the majority of gamblers end up losing more than they win. Behind the scenes of flashy advertisements and success stories are numerous broken relationships, school dropouts, and even cases of suicide resulting from gambling losses.

It is crucial for individuals to understand that betting companies are not charitable organizations but profit-driven businesses. The odds are always stacked in favor of the house, making it nearly impossible for gamblers to consistently win against the system.

Local statistics mirror the challenges faced globally, with a significant number of problem gamblers resorting to criminal activities to sustain their addiction. In America, half of problem gamblers have committed crimes, 63% have written bad checks, and 30% have resorted to theft in their workplaces.

The growing impact of gambling addiction goes beyond financial losses, extending to mental health issues, broken families, and shattered dreams. It is imperative for both individuals and policymakers to address this escalating problem and implement effective measures to curb the negative consequences of unchecked gambling behavior.