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Betting is a growing problem among the young populations in Africa

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9 months ago

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Africa has a huge problem. Its young and growing population is an ideal target for global betting companies. In recent years these outfits have expanded their operations across the continent using aggressive marketing techniques.

The companies’ trump card is Africa’s passion for football. The European leagues are hugely popular, and gambling companies use this to attract punters. Many big European clubs are sponsored by betting companies, which gives the impression that football and betting are part of the same product.

In 2019, journalist Zoe Flood travelled to Uganda to make the acclaimed documentary ‘Gamblers Like Me: The Dark Side of Sports Betting’, which focused on the huge rise in gambling across Africa. Five years later, she attended Play the Game 2024 to show the documentary and give an update on the situation.

It is easy to bet, but very hard to make money from it

Collins Muhinda, the narrator of Flood’s documentary, used to be a compulsive gambler. Muhinda was accompanied by Flood’s film crew as he visited betting shops in his native Uganda, interviewing gamblers and their families.

These conversations brought home the ease with which people can fall into addiction and the devastation it can cause. Some have lost everything, Muhinda narrated, citing examples of gamblers using savings and tuition fees to feed their habit and even a case of suicide.

Uganda was chosen as the documentary’s location due to its large number of physical betting shops, which act as male social hubs with long opening hours. Elsewhere in the continent, betting via cell phone has never been easier.

Many people believe that they can make a living through gambling, Muhinda said in the film, a myth amplified by the marketing tactics of the betting companies.

Local celebrities are paid to promote gambling, while financial incentives are offered to entice new customers. Underage gamblers can easily place bets in physical shops, while many companies operate systems where agents are paid a commission to sign up new customers.

However, according to tax figures, pay-outs to African gamblers are lower than in other nations due to the poor value odds on offer. Although many gamblers believe the companies to be locally owned operators, they are often subsidiaries of big multinationals that shift profits out of the region.

In the film, the Ugandan government said it was working to improve regulation, and in January 2023 President Yoweri Museveni announced that no new licences or licence renewals would be issued to foreign-owned betting companies. In February 2024, two companies – 1XBet and Melbet – were forced to cease operations.

A problem primarily for men

When asked about the extent of problem gambling across Africa, Flood said that it was certainly greater than in Western countries.

“The figures are quite hard to come by, but a survey done on a group of 16-25-year-olds found that one in five could be termed a problem gambler,” she told Play the Game.

“This is very high compared to figures from the UK. It was difficult because it was a film about problem gambling so obviously, we were looking at those who were at the more extreme end. We didn’t really focus on those who didn’t have a problem.”

Flood said that she was conscious of the fact that the film featured very few women.

“However, this is to a large extent a male problem. The betting shops are almost entirely male-dominated. It was quite a difficult film to make in terms of access. As a woman, I was too disruptive to the environment at certain times.”

Virtual games provide quick dopamine hits

Flood also referred to so-called virtual games, which are becoming increasingly popular in Africa. Similar to traditional video games but played for a stake in betting shops, the games provide players with a “quick dopamine hit” through a digital match-up with a computer, typically a turbo-charged football match. They normally last only two or three minutes.

“I hadn’t really come across them before we made the film, and I was really surprised. Every betting shop we went into was running these virtual games, with football teams based on real teams. In reality, you are playing against a computer. I also saw virtual tennis and dog racing. It does seem like a particularly vulnerable area. It is almost like playing a slot machine. It’s a quick hit. “

While awareness of Africa’s gambling problem is growing, she said, resources appear lacking to tackle it on a large scale.

“As far as I am aware there is still no co-ordinated pan-African initiative to reduce gambling harm. All efforts seem to be at the local and grassroots level,” she said.

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Gambian High Commissioner, Ooni decorated as SWAN, AIPS unveils International Diplomacy of Food, Music and Culture

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13 hours ago

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November 24, 2024

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Gambian High Commissioner, Ooni decorated as SWAN, AIPS unveils International Diplomacy of Food, Music and Culture

The Smiling Coast of Africa, Gambia and the Giant of Africa, Nigeria, literally aligned recently as Lagos SWAN (Sports Writers Association of Nigeria) and AIPS (International Sports Press Association) unveiled this year’s International Diplomacy and Diversity on Food, Drinks, Music, Culture, Arts, Fashion and Dance fiesta.

The event, held at the Goldview Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, was in partnership with the Office of the President of Gambia, UNESCO, Pan African American Chamber of Commerce (PAACC), Sabre, UNDP, NBC, CarolKing Media Ltd (CML), Indomie Noodles, MOL, Gala, National Council for Arts and Culture, SWAN water.

Chief Host and first female chairman of Lagos SWAN (Sports Writer Association of Nigeria) and head, Foreign Relations of Pan African American Chamber of Commerce, Amb. Olatutu Oladunni, said one of the primary objectives of the now annual event was ‘to preserve cultural heritage.’

“Partnership and collaboration on this beautiful cultural initiative will enhance the artistic innovations behind the initiative; it will add hope, values to culture sustainability and livelihood of culture heritage and of course boost creative economy in a better manner,” she stated.

Notably, Global Diplomatic Cultural Awards were conferred on the Gambian High Commissioner to Nigeria and Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, HE Amb. Mohamadou Musa Njie, who is also Special Guest of Honour; His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Eitan Ogunnwusi; Chairman American Aviation Technology Company (SABRE) West /Central Africa, Dr Gabriel Olowo, and late Afro-beat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s first daughter and Yeni Kuti.

DCP Nwogu Martins who represented AIG Adegoke Fayoade was also decorated on his behalf.

Delivering his keynote speech, Amb. Njie stole the show when he told the audience that part of the assimilation strategy he adopted on arriving Nigeria with its diverse and vibrant cultures was to wear Yoruba Attires on Monday, Igbo on Tuesday and Hausa on Wednesday before Gambian on Thursdays and Fridays.

Paying huge tribute to the Nigeria’s Afro-beat industry, Njie stated: “I am passionate about projecting our African culture. It is no secret that our continent is rich in cultural diversity and this can consistently boost trade and tourism.”

 

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Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa Signs Endorsement Deal With Top Bank

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2 days ago

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November 22, 2024

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Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa Signs Endorsement Deal With Top Bank

In a groundbreaking development, Nigerian football sensation Ahmed Musa has formally joined forces with Jaiz Bank, a pioneering non-interest financial institution.

This momentous partnership was sealed during Musa’s visit to Jaiz Bank’s headquarters in Abuja, where he was warmly welcomed as the bank’s newest ambassador.

In a Facebook post by By Abdul A Kaugama, Musa’s affiliation with Jaiz Bank is a testament to his astute financial acumen and commitment to promoting ethical finance. As a long-standing customer of the bank, he has experienced firsthand the benefits of Jaiz Bank’s innovative, non-interest-based financial solutions.

By partnering with Jaiz Bank, Musa aims to inspire his multitude of fans to adopt a more prudent and Shariah-compliant approach to financial management.

“I am ecstatic to announce my ambassadorship with Jaiz Bank,” Musa exclaimed. “This esteemed institution shares my passion for empowering individuals and communities through financial inclusion and education. I am honored to be part of this remarkable journey and look forward to collaborating with Jaiz Bank to make a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians.”

The synergy between Ahmed Musa and Jaiz Bank heralds a new era of financial empowerment and growth. As Musa embarks on this exciting partnership, his fans and well-wishers eagerly anticipate the innovative initiatives and projects that will emerge from this collaboration.

 

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AFCON: More Controversy As Libya Accused Super Eagles Of Deliberate Lost To Rwanda

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3 days ago

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November 22, 2024

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AFCON: More Controversy As Libya Accused Super Eagles Of Deliberate Lost To Rwanda

Libya have accused the Super Eagles of throwing their final home game against Rwanda in a 2025 AFCON qualifier so that they will not qualify for the continental tournament next year.

Libya have stoked more fire in the growing enmity between them and Nigeria after CAF last month awarded a botched AFCON qualifier to the Super Eagles.

Libya Akhbar newspaper reported that the Super Eagles 2-1 loss to Rwanda in Uyo left a lot of questions.

“On the other side of the group, Nigeria’s 2-1 defeat to Rwanda on home ground added more controversy, especially since the result raised doubts about Nigeria’s intentions in this encounter,” the Libyan newspaper reported.

“The match between Nigeria and Rwanda was a shock to the Libyan fans.

“The fans expected a comfortable win for Nigeria, which would have kept Libya’s hopes alive if they defeated Benin. However, the scenario was contrary to expectations.

“Nigeria’s one-goal lead turned into a two-goal loss, as if the Green Eagles had abandoned their competitive spirit.

“The scene raised many questions in sports circles: Did Nigeria deliberately lose to eliminate Libya?”

However, Libya also failed to beat Benin at home to end any hopes to qualifying for the 2025 AFCON.

They face more sanctions after Benin complained that they were attacked after the scoreless draw in Tripoli Tuesday night.

 

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