Looking at the two sides of betting in Kenya
Among the many topics that divide as much as unites is betting in Kenya. We’ve seen people celebrating wins with friends and relatives. Honestly betting has created overnight millionaires whose lives changed in split seconds. But even as we hoist the flag of betting high, ugly memories of Kenyans committing suicide or plunging into financial dungeons come fleeting then we quickly get lost. Is betting a blessing or curse to Kenyans? Maybe closely looking at this may open us up to a clearer view.
Betting in Kenya has brought both grief and joy in the faces of Kenyans. Even with the many losses and gains, we can assure you that betting is in Kenya to stay. From the look of things, it may top the list of most profitable industries Kenya ever had and especially sports betting. People bet on a daily basis meaning that the betting companies are earning lots of money on a daily basis.
Betting in Kenya is not only for lazy chaps
You know at first, we all thought gambling is for lazy-borne youths. But looking back and forth, we easily admit to its positive impact too. It suffices in bridging unemployment gaps in Kenya. It has even made some people become millionaires in Kenya.
Furthermore, it is hard to believe but this gambling thing began as a recreational activity. Back in the 1960s, Nairobi, Mombasa had few sites where players converged for a game. Amid chitchats, dining and wining, players frequented such places to relax and catch up. Back then, it was more of entertainment than what it is now. Those who can relate feel goose bumps and nostalgia at the mention of Mayfair, Las Vegas, Golden Key and more.
The Popularity of Sports Betting in Kenya
As we speak, sports betting has grown famous so fast, thanks to advanced technology. I guess the reason is due to the humongous payouts winners joyfully take home. It is even interesting how people overlook the negative bit of it. There are many underlying challenges related to betting that we are yet to look at.
Better still, don’t judge just yet. From a keen look, you’d realize how desperate bettors have become. They are literally out of other funding options, and betting fills in quite perfectly. Even bookmakers in betting manipulate the odds so well that, as bettors scoop millions, they secure billions for the house. What a lucrative business! Do you now agree that betting is in Kenya to stay?
Disadvantages of gambling to the Kenyan community
Nothing knows to eat up your money better than gambling. The hope of winning in a bettor never goes away until it’s realized. It doesn’t matter the many times you’ve lost. While losing subsequently, you’ll get the urge to play consistently until you are either an addict or deep in debts. Isn’t that poverty already?
The most regrettable bit with betting is when you’ve made a high stake. Also, maybe the money you used in making the stake was for paying bills or other important things. What happens when you do not win? Of course, you’ll be betting with the hope of making a win. Sometimes the feeling gets so sure only to turn out vice versa.
Suchlike scenarios have pushed many to premature deaths and depression like in the case of Richard Wangai, a 40-year-old man. He jumped off a tall building, in an act best termed as suicide. The incident took place shortly after losing a 5 Million bet at a nearby Casino, in Nairobi.
Another case packed with stress and depression is that of Moses Omwoyo. A student from Maseno University lost a whole Sh 40,000 meant for school fees. That much rolled down the drain within ninety minutes! Therefore, you should always ensure that you bet using money not meant for other things.
The advantages of betting in Kenya
As much as gambling is challenging as it causes stress and depression, it has its advantages. Some people consider it as an entertainment value, chance of making money, and having fun.
Making money
Although gambling was, a pastime meant for refreshment, a majority do it today to earn extra cash for survival. Many bettors view it as a perfect chance to make easy money. Or get wealthy in a wink. We can affirm that sentiment since known personalities have made huge fortunes from it.
Just recently, Gordon Ogada did the unbelievable by matching 17 matches correctly! Guess what, he won a whooping KShs 230,742,881 in a mega jackpot. Is that not a life-changing amount? Of course yes, and it’s not like he had to struggle his muscles out for it.
It’s a little bit of knowledge about the teams plus luck as we can call it. Gordon Ogada is not the only person who has won millions of Kenyan shilling from betting. There are others like Samwel Abisai, Quinter Chemei, KIpkorir, and Cosmas Korir. They’ve cemented their names in the jackpot books.
Having fun
Sincerely speaking, nothing brings fun to gambling like when you are skillful at it. Even if you won’t make a million take home, you are likely to double the bet deposit. We can’t also refute that those with a streak of luck made it through with little or no know-how at all.
An example is Leonard, the Kisumu-boda boda (motobike) mechanic. He placed an unexpected prediction and still won handsomely. Despite risking seven subsequent straight draws, he won four of them, earning him 2 Million. Awesome indeed!
Aside from the profit prospect, gambling is still a perfect way of unwinding after work. Many males go gaming once in a while, in the evening for the fun bit of it. It’s proven the best moment for meet-ups with friends and colleagues who are also fanatic gamblers.
Convenience
Even though there are lots of hobbies, one cannot play them daily. Maybe because they are tiring or expensive. Thus, people resolve to a hobby like betting because of its convenience. All you can do is place a bet. As a bettor, you do not have to be there or even watch a match to win. Besides, one can enjoy betting anywhere at any time.
Easy to Start
As compared to other hobbies, betting is easy to get started. All you have to do is visit a land based casino or sign up online. In starting, you do not need to have several pieces of equipment to commence. The rules are also not so strict. You just need some money to get started like ksh 50 or more.
Betting is an easy form of gambling. This is because one does not need one to have vast knowledge about sports to get started. Basically, for most of the things that are done, they are just straightforward. You can just commence placing odds.
Kenyan Women Uproar on Betting as another Cause of Divorce
Upon realizing that their husbands are betting addicts, women find it hard to stay. Such addiction turns a man into nothing better than a poor scumbag loaded with heavy economic burden. Some women may never tolerate such social vice. They’ll definitely call it quits with the so-called marriage affair. In the baseline, it is wise to bet responsibly. Here are a few tips on how to begin healthy betting.
