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
Human rights are sacred

It highlights the need to protect rights such as access to clean water, education, healthcare and freedom of expression.President Duma Boko, rightly honours past interventions from securing a dignified burial for Gaoberekwe Pitseng in the CKGR to promoting linguistic inclusion. Yet, they also expose a critical truth, that a nation cannot sustainably protect its people through ad hoc acts of compassion alone.It is time for both government and the...

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