By Nancy Lipenga
Many students in Malawi are having trouble with betting on sports. It is becoming a big worry as a closer look at what's happening in different universities across the country in as far betting is concerned, is more alarming.
With sports betting getting more and more popular in Malawi, the Malawi Gaming Board is worried about how many young people are doing it. They are telling students to focus on school instead of betting. But it is still happening a lot, especially because it is easy to do online.
A recent study conducted by Nelson Nanteleza Ndala, a researcher from the Malawi College of Accountancy, sheds light on the alarming effects of sports gambling among the youths of Blantyre City. The study, which included 30 participants, 19 males and 11 females, revealed insights into the world of betting addiction.
According to the research, 84.2% of the students did not know the rules or protections for bettors. This makes them easy targets for people who want to take advantage of them.
68% of the students didn't save the money they won. This made it hard for them financially. For some, betting just made them lose more money and feel even worse.
While some students just saw betting as a way to have fun, others had serious problems. Nine of them became addicted, five had money problems, and three felt like they were wasting their time.
A Student at University of Malawi ,Chikondi was doing well in his economics studies. But he got caught up in betting. It started as something fun, but soon he was missing classes and not doing his work. He had a hard time breaking free from it.
Lumbani Msosa from the University of Livingstonia, Kaning'ina Campus, said that betting is good. He mentioned that betting is for entertainment, and those who start becoming addicted are usually the ones with nothing else to do. He said this also applies to students.
Bright Kampani, a student at Mzuni University studying Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Technologies, voiced his concern about being a betting addict. He said sometimes a person becomes addicted not because he has money for betting, but when he doesn't have anything to do.
This applies to students too. When they think betting might help them with their difficulties, they tend to play hard, and in the end, they become addicted.
This study shows that something needs to change. The government should make better rules to protect young people from betting too much. Universities should offer counseling and teach students about how to bet responsibly.
As the day ends, the fight against betting addiction goes on. It's important to help Malawi's youth stay safe and focused on their futures, one step at a time.
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