Gambling, like alcohol use, has become a part and parcel of our social fabric. With Kenyans spending billions on betting each year, it is clear that the gambling industry plays a significant role in the social-economic affairs of Kenya. Through gambling, the government, mobile money service providers, gambling companies and some gamers have benefited financially. Some businesses, sporting activities and humanitarian activities have also been spurred by the gambling industry. As a recreational activity, gambling has provided leisure and enjoyment to many Kenyans.
Having said that, it would be imprudent to argue that the gambling industry has not brought with it, a fair share of adverse effects in the country. This is especially because of disordered gambling. Gambling disorder, is the technical term for excessive gambling that has negative effects on the individuals. It can also be referred to as gambling addiction, pathological gambling or problem gambling. Essentially a disordered gambler is one whose gambling goes beyond recreation to the extent that he exceeds his disposable income or leisure. This in turn affects his or her psychological, social and economic wellbeing. The adverse effects of disordered gambling are not limited to individuals alone; their family members and community are equally negatively impacted. Financial ruin, depression, suicide, homicide and loss of productivity are some of the adverse effects of gambling disorder that have been documented.
Pondering over the impact of the gambling industry in Kenya, it is important to note that the industry, especially online gambling, has only emerged in the past decade. This means that we are still yet to fully understand the long-term impact of gambling on the socio-economic wellbeing of Kenyans.
Nevertheless, in the last five years, I have conducted some research on gambling in the country and I have come up with the following conclusions.
- Many young people in Kenya view gambling favorably
- Most of those who gamble do so for purposes of making money/ earning an income
- Inducement to gamble is so pervasive in the media
- The biggest beneficiaries of the gambling industry are government, the media, mobile money service providers and the betting companies. And no one will kill the goose that lays the golden egg.
- Banning gambling, especially online betting in the country is both impractical and impossible
- Risky gambling behavior is characterized by increased frequency, amount wagered and is erratic.
- The costs of disordered gambling are not just the amount of money one loses, but also the time spent and anxiety experienced analyzing odds and playing, thinking about the outcome of a bet and forfeiting other productive economic activities.
There is no need to belabor on the adverse effects of disordered gambling since they are well documented in many research and government documents. My view is that gambling disorder and its associated harms are a public health issue that requires urgent discussion among all stakeholders in the country. The key stakeholders in this case are the government, gambling companies, the media, mental and public health professionals, mobile money service providers, gamblers and Kenyans at large.
RECOMMENDATIONS
As a mental health professional and a scholar researching on gambling, I suggest the following measures as a way of minimizing harm associated with gambling disorder. I use the word harm minimization deliberately to indicate that the measures will not necessarily eradicate the harms but may only minimize their negative impact.
The Local Barman Approach
The relationship between the gambler and betting companies is like that of the barman and his regular customer. The barman knows the customer’s favorite tipple, how often he drinks and his peculiar drinking behavior. He even knows when his customer has had one too many. Now, if the barman notices that his regular customer’s drinking habits have changed, such as drinking excessively to the detriment of his health, he would be concerned. In fact, a good barman would take some measures to ensure the safety of his customer whenever he is at risk of harm, e.g., being robbed or his drink being spiked with “mchele”.
By ensuring that the customer is out of harm’s way, the barman benefits because the customer will return to drink another day. His bar will also not suffer the negative reputation of letting their customers be harmed within their premises.
This is the same relationship the gambling companies have with the gamblers. They know their customer’s gambling patterns so well. The time, amount and frequency of gambling is known by the gambling companies. The behavioral data they have about the gambler is so precise that it can be useful in helping those at risk of harm. With an understanding of the nature of disordered gambling the betting companies are capable of noticing that their customer’s gambling pattern is getting out of hand and is gravitating towards high risk.
Like any responsible barman, the gambling companies should be able to communicate to their customer that they are concerned about his safety when his gambling becomes risky. This could be through specific responsible gambling messages directed at the individual at risk.
In my opinion, this is a win-win situation, the gambling companies will have prevented a possible catastrophe for an individual, their families and the community while letting him live to gamble another day.
Research and Treatment
An independent research organization, similar to NACADA for alcohol abuse, is needed to spearhead public awareness and research on gambling. This can be funded through government and remittances from the companies.
A Legal Framework
These gambling harm minimization efforts should be anchored in law, that is why there is need to expedite the Gaming Bill that is currently in parliament.
Although the government and gambling companies have made some efforts in developing policies and regulations, it is important for Kenya to think about the issue carefully and independently. In fact, the conversations, policies and regulations that are to be advanced should keenly address the nuances and intricacies of the Kenyan socio-economic system.
Sincerely,
Fabio Ogachi