Mmegi

The betting mirage and lessons never learnt

All in: Punters spent more than ever before during the World Cup PIC.THESTREET.COM
All in: Punters spent more than ever before during the World Cup PIC.THESTREET.COM

Thanks to the FIFA World Cup, betting platforms recorded a surge in revenues, thriving on the millions who believed they could outsmart the odds. For households already battling shrinking disposable incomes, the tournament became as much an economic event as it was a sporting spectacle, writes TIMOTHY LEWANIKA

The discussion on the World Cup 2026 has centred on the usual banter on ‘GOATs’ (Ronaldo vs Messi), team support and sports betting. Beyond the frenzy of goals and the 90 minute adrenaline rush, much of the eyeballs on the screens are watching out for the manifestation of fortunes, something which may reshape the way the world views sports forever.

Of these discussions, sports betting has taken centre stage, intensifying as the competition has moved towards its climax.

Editor's Comment
Exercise extra caution!

Unfortunately, petty thieves tend to be more vicious around this time as they also prepare for the festive season. Culturally, many Batswana go home for the holiday, and petty thieves are amongst those who go home. Burglaries, car break-ins, and attacks on unsuspecting pedestrians seem to be on the rise!That is not all, as scammers continue to take money from pensioners as well as other Batswana who may fall prey to their unscrupulous tactics....

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