This archive report was first published on 19 July 2019.
Published on July 19, 2019, a joint research by Ipsos and GeoPoll shed light on the alarming trend of betting among Kenyan youth.
According to the study, individuals aged between 18 to 29 spend an average of 1,550 shillings on gambling activities on a monthly basis. This staggering figure translates to approximately 3 US dollars per day, a sum that many Kenyans struggle to afford.
The study also revealed that 40% of those engaging in gambling activities initially intended to save the money, while 60% planned to use it for recurrent expenditure. This obsession with betting has become a significant concern, with many youth, including the unemployed, self-employed, and employed, becoming hooked on the idea of earning an extra shilling or even making a living out of it.
The government's crackdown on gambling companies has led to the non-renewal of licenses for 27 betting companies and the deportation of at least 17 directors of gambling companies. The study found that 28% of bettors are unemployed and are determined to seek other betting channels to earn a living.
Interestingly, the report indicates that 73% of bettors are already aware of the suspension, with most of them being youth. The demographics of bettors reveal that males lead at 55%, while females comprise 45%. Notably, those aged 35 and above make up 25% of bettors, with an average household income of 77,000 shillings.
