Study raises 'problem gambling' concerns
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Tuesday March 15, 2022 06:00
While a baseline study on the prevalence of excessive and problem gambling in Botswana done by BGA only indicates a low gambling prevalence in Botswana at five percent compared to the world’s, the study has raised concern about problem gambling in regulated casinos.
However, the report also states that while some of the problem gambling is reported to be taking place in casino sites, the magnitude of problem gambling amongst individuals who participated in unregulated gambling is not known.
Although the study further indicates that Batswana generally have a negative perception about gambling, a further inspection of demographics shows that the prevalence of problem gambling is highest amongst the 21 to 29-year-old males, the never-married (5.8 percent), and those that had at least secondary education.
Problem gambling amongst males is almost four times higher as compared to their female counterparts.
“It was also highest amongst the employed and the unemployed,” indicated the report in part.
According to the study, the employed and the unemployed are more than twice as likely to be problem gamblers as compared to the pensioners/retirees/students.
The findings of the study also show that all casino sites reported the presence of problem gamblers. It also reported that other problem gamblers have developed habits of loitering around the whole night without a change of clothes and eating.
Meanwhile, the study recommended the need to regulate other prevalent gambling activities besides casino tables and slot machines cannot be overemphasised.
“Once regulated and legal, all such gambling should include extensive and effective responsible play and addiction prevention measures,” it read in part. The study also called on the Botswana Gambling Authority to maximise efforts to raise Batswana’s awareness as far as gambling is concerned.
This, it stated, requires a rigorous and effective public education campaign that speaks to the various forms of gambling activities in Botswana, including traditional games and responsible gambling.
“This will be the foundation on which gambling could be accepted as a form of recreation. The ultimate goal of the campaign will be to encourage responsible gambling amongst Batswana,” read part of the report.