A desperate mother has turned to the courts in a bid to address her son’s compulsive gambling, which she says is ruining his life.
She believes his addiction to sports betting, which has surged in popularity across the country, is leading him down a destructive path.
This case highlights the growing struggles that many families face as gambling continues to ensnare more individuals.
While the industry promotes itself with the allure of significant financial rewards, the reality for many bettors is one of substantial losses and hardship.
The sports betting sector has become a financial powerhouse, generating millions of dollars each month.
Wagering on football matches has now surpassed traditional horse race betting in popularity and expenditure.
Cathy Munaki took her son, Tawanda, to the Harare Civil Court, seeking intervention for his gambling problem.
She recounted how his reckless betting habits had resulted in relentless harassment from people who had loaned him money.
“He sells my belongings, accumulates debt in my name, and I am the one left dealing with angry creditors,” Munaki lamented.
“I live in constant fear as people come to my door demanding repayment for debts I never incurred.”
She explained that Tawanda’s actions had driven a wedge between her and her loved ones, as she frequently found herself entangled in his financial troubles.
Tawanda did not contest his mother’s claims. He admitted that he was struggling financially after his work contract ended and had turned to gambling in hopes of making money.
“I was just trying to find a way to survive since I’m unemployed,” he told the court.
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Presiding over the case, Magistrate Meenal Naratam instructed Tawanda to seek employment and cease causing distress to his mother.
The sports betting craze has swept across the nation in recent years, with tens of thousands of Zimbabweans trying their luck in hopes of striking it rich.
Betting agencies have proliferated, competing for a share of the lucrative market, where MWOS and AfricaBet currently dominate.
Online betting has further transformed the industry, making it possible for gamblers to place bets from the comfort of their homes.
European football leagues, including the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, German Bundesliga, French Ligue 1, and Italian Serie A, remain the most favoured options for local punters.
In a report released last year, authorities revealed that 539 betting establishments had been licensed in the country.
The phenomenon is not limited to Zimbabwe; South Africa has also experienced a surge in sports betting, with an even larger market and higher returns.
Although local statistics on gambling expenditures remain elusive, South African figures reveal that a staggering US$58.7 billion (R1.1 trillion) was spent on legal bets in the financial year ending March 31, 2024.
This marked a 40% increase from the previous year, with sports and horse betting accounting for two-thirds of the total amount. The primary driver behind this industry boom was sports betting, underscoring its growing influence in the region.
H-metro
