Mmegi

How the house always wins Batswana’s disposable incomes

Everyday people: The new betting sites and stores are spreading their nets wide for punters PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Everyday people: The new betting sites and stores are spreading their nets wide for punters PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

Gambling addiction in Botswana is leaving scores of people with little left in their pockets whilst also intensifying the competition for every thebe in the consumer’s pocket. Beneath the get-rich-quick promise is a powerful psychological belief, writes Mmegi staffer, TIMOTHY LEWANIKA

Local social media algorithms are ablaze with posts of a punter turning P1 to P1 million, a true opium story for any struggling layman.

The belief that P1 can turn into P1 million without having to sell your kidney has locked many into a maze, chasing a quick buck. The little that consumers have as disposable income has been a fierce battleground between retailers, insurance companies, leisure and hospitality service providers, with portion changes being instigated by the mass adoption of betting.

Editor's Comment
Let's show compassion to baby Asli

Her story is heartbreaking not only because she is fighting for her life at such a tender age, but because her parents have spent months navigating a medical journey filled with uncertainty, delays, and rising fear.What began as something that seemed as simple as jaundice has escalated into a life-threatening condition that now requires an urgent liver transplant.For Asli’s parents, the reality is devastating. They are not asking for luxuries...

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