In this article we will introduce you to a 38-year-old Zimbabwean man – Tinago Mukono. He finished school 20 years ago, but has not yet been able to find a job. In order to feed himself and somehow survive, Mukono started betting. It has become his main form of income. Every day Tinago goes to betting clubs, of which there are many in Harare (the capital of Zimbabwe). There the man meets other people, just like him, who are into betting.
According to the ZCTU (Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions), more than 90% of the locals have no jobs. Therefore, most see betting as the only way out. In the past, betting was not popular in Zimbabwe. Locals were limited to participating in the state lottery, betting on horse races and casinos.
Now, however, many people can’t imagine life without betting on sports. The local police began an official fight with bookmakers, saying that their activities are illegal. The number of visitors to betting clubs in Zimbabwe is growing. According to Mukono, due to the lack of an official job, betting has become a real profession for him.
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Rashwit Mukundu, a researcher with International Media Support Services, said that the means and ways of survival among the youth in the country have dwindled. High unemployment has triggered a rise in the popularity of betting on sports and gambling. For many Zimbabweans, this is the only way to feed themselves and their families. According to Mukundu, this state of affairs indicates a loss of control over the country’s economic performance.
But some economists disagree with Mukundu. For example, Prosper Chitambara, chief economist at the Zimbabwe Labor and Economic Development Research Institute, cited mental health issues and substance abuse as reasons for the rise in the popularity of betting in the country.
Across the country, halls that used to host various entertainment events have now turned into betting clubs. Gambling thrives in them and poor locals like Mukono visit them every day, hoping to make a living.
Zimbabwe has no strict rules and bans to regulate the gambling industry. Betting on sports is still considered a common pastime rather than an economic activity. Employees of betting clubs assure that official work cannot be replaced by betting. It is not the kind of income one can expect.
The situation in Zimbabwe is not unique to the region. Residents of many African countries are getting into gambling and betting. This shows the growth of the African iGaming market.