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
Our digital safety is in our hands

That sounds like good news. But the report also warns that this may simply be because our digital economy is still young, not because we are safe. As more people shop, bank and pay online, criminals will follow.We Batswana do not need a report to tell us that danger is real. Many of us have heard of or fallen victim to KYC scams. A caller impersonates your bank or mobile money provider. They say they need to “verify” your account. They ask...

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