This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
Published on July 16, 2019, by JOHN WALUBENGO
Mobile betting has transformed the landscape of Kenya's gaming industry, with billions of shillings being raked in from the youth and lower-income groups.
Technological advancements have made it possible for anyone with a mobile phone to participate in gambling, eliminating age, location, and income restrictions.
The scope of betting has expanded beyond horses to include digital representations of various events, such as soccer matches and online games.
However, this shift has raised concerns about the impact on youth and lower-income groups, who are increasingly becoming addicted to digital betting.
Government actions, such as blocking Paybill numbers of selected betting companies, are seen as a knee-jerk reaction that misses the point.
A total review of the 1966 Betting Act and its associated policies is needed to bring them in line with the digital realities of the 21st century.
This would involve developing digital mechanisms to restore the level of restrictions and deterrence that existed during the manual betting regimes.
Anything less would be seen as gate-keeping, failing to address the fundamental plight facing the youth addicted to digital betting.
Mr. Walubengo is a lecturer at Multimedia University of Kenya, Faculty of Computing and IT.
