Gambling as a leisure activity, not a source of income

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OPINION

By Stephen Akankwasa

The digital age has revolutionised how people, especially the youth, spend their leisure time, with gaming emerging as a popular pastime. While gaming began as an enjoyable activity, it has increasingly become a dangerous pursuit with serious socio-economic consequences that undermine government progress goals. Synonymous with gaming is gambling.

Gambling is a game of chance, and the house always wins. Albeit being a multi-billion-dollar industry that contributes significantly to the economy, according to the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Boad, gambling has a darker side particularly for young people who have turned to gambling not for fun but for survival with majority staking their savings and mental health on uncertain outcomes which often is a recipe for empty pockets, shattered dreams and a rise in mental health issues.

Needless to say, the gaming industry has created legitimate career opportunities, particularly in esports. Now, it's important to distinguish between skill-based gaming and gambling. Esports professionals undergo rigorous training and strategic thinking, while gambling relies entirely on chance. The only guaranteed winners in gambling are the bookmakers who profit from the losses of their customers.

The allure of flashing lights and promises of easy wealth from digital casinos and betting apps can deceive young people, but these platforms often lead to despair, not riches. Viewing gambling as a shortcut to financial success only deepens instability, and the dangers of treating gambling as a career or a quick fix are severe and cannot be ignored.

Most alarming is the growing trend of gambling addiction among the youth. The fascination with fast money combined with easy access to digital betting platforms has led many young people to embrace gambling as a primary income source. However, gambling is inherently risky with no guaranteed returns. The odds are stacked against the player, and while a few may win, most will lose. The result is a vicious cycle of financial loss, frustration and emotional distress, with some even turning to extreme measures as a way to cope.

Recent statistics show a sharp rise in gambling-related mental health issues, with the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board and the Ministry of Health noting growing cases of anxiety, stress and financial strain. To tackle this, the agencies are collaborating to raise awareness and promote responsible gaming, aiming to shift gambling from a potential income source to a leisure activity and foster healthier gaming habits.

To mitigate the negative effects of gambling, regulatory bodies must intensify their efforts, such as strict adherence to the minimum legal age for gambling of 25 years, to ensure participants have the maturity to appreciate the risks.

Ultimately, the solution isn't in demonising gaming altogether. Instead, we should emphasise its value as a form of recreation, not a shortcut to wealth. By promoting responsible gaming habits and offering alternative career paths, we can help young people make informed decisions about their future. Gaming should be seen as a leisure activity that fosters creativity, social interaction and relaxation, not as a risky pursuit for financial gain. With this perspective, the risks of gambling can be avoided, and young people can engage in gaming in a healthy and balanced way.

The writer is an LL.M (Gaming Law) Candidate at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. akankwas@unlv.nevada.edu