At first, it feels electric.
The rush of adrenaline. The pounding heart. The split-second before the result flashes across the screen. In that moment, nothing else matters, just the tantalizing possibility of a win.
For many, gambling begins as a harmless thrill, a quick game, a chance to multiply money in minutes.
The excitement is addictive. The first win is intoxicating, feeding the belief that more victories are just around the corner.But behind the flashing lights and promises of easy money lies a darker truth.
According to Merriam-Webster, gambling is defined as the practice or activity of betting” or “the practice of risking money or other stakes in a game or bet.However, when the fun turns into compulsion, it becomes a dangerous addiction.
A gambling addiction occurs when a person continues to gamble despite the negative impacts on their finances, relationships, and overall wellbeing.
In Zambia, laws are in place to regulate the activity. Chapter 166 of the Betting Control Act, Article 22 Section 2, states:
“No bookmaker and no servant or agent of any bookmaker shall allow any person under the age of eighteen to come upon licensed betting premises, whether for the purpose of betting or otherwise.”
Yet, the law often struggles to keep pace with the growing accessibility of online betting platforms.In an interview with Lusaka Star, Financial Expert, Kelvin Chisanga, warns that the illusion of quick wealth is costing young people their future.”
People have disposable income which they need to put into productive activities,” he says.
“If they throw that money into gambling, where they are unlikely to win, they’re pushing themselves into destitution. It affects their personal income and social status.”
He adds that gambling often traps individuals in a cycle of poverty that becomes harder to escape with time.
The Betting Association of Zambia has expressed concern over the growing influence of betting, particularly on young people who spend more time and money gambling than engaging in productive endeavors.
“Betting is not a way to earn a living,” Chisanga emphasizes. “Life should be built on strong, consistent input into meaningful activities.”Beyond the financial consequences, gambling also takes a significant toll on mental health.
Mental Health Advocate, George Tafuna, says the psychological strain is often underestimated.
“When someone bets a large sum and loses, the stress and anxiety can be overwhelming, ” Tafuna says.
“That emotional loss, combined with the financial blow, often leads to depression.”
In many cases, the emotional instability causes people to withdraw from relationships and everyday life. Tafuna notes that substance abuse becomes a common coping mechanism, as individuals seek to numb their inner turmoil.
“One of the most commonly abused substances is dopamine, naturally produced during moments of pleasure.” he says.
“People start relying on that hit to escape their losses, creating a dangerous cycle.”Reformed Gambling Addict, Liswani Sang’andu, shares his journey from casual play to compulsive betting.
”It started as a harmless game, no money involved, just passing time. But it became a daily habit,” Sang’andu says.
”Eventually, I couldn’t go a day without betting. I skipped meals, stopped bathing, and came home late every night.”
He says bad company and the lure of fast money pulled him deeper into addiction.
“The most difficult part was the dependency. Gambling felt like the fastest way to make money, even when I was constantly losing.” he says.
Sang’andu’s addiction didn’t just drain his finances; it strained his relationships and sabotaged his education.
”I stopped attending classes just to bet. Things got so bad, I sold my clothes, books, shoes and even bet my school fees. I nearly missed my Grade 12 examinations” he reflects .
Now in recovery, Sang’andu has a message for those teetering on the edge of gambling or struggling to quit.
”Betting has two sides: the good, when you win and walk away; and the bad, when you keep betting and losing, including money meant for your future.” he stresses.
He concludes with a sobering truth.”There is no such thing as free lunch.
Nothing comes on a silver plate, we must work smart and consistently if we want to build real wealth.”