It always starts small. A harmless Sh 10 bet on a midweek Premier League match, a tiny thrill of guessing right and boom- you’re hooked. Suddenly, every game is a “sure bet” and every weekend, you’re hoping for that one big win that will change your life.
As far as you are concerned, you told yourself it was just for fun. Small bets here and there on a weekend- a means of spicing up those game nights where you attend watch parties with friends…the thrill of guessing if you will win or lose. No big deal, right?
But now, it’s Tuesday morning and you’re staring at your M-Pesa balance, debating on how much you think you could use to bet as you pass time during the heavy rush hour traffic on your way to work. You’re curious to see if you could win a little something to offset the bills that come with your lifestyle- and ‘sure bets’ tend to feel like the only way out outside of taking loans.
This is the birth of betting addiction.
The crazy jackpots worth millions being dangled in front of potential and avid gamblers on media and social media, the instant loans for bettering and wining stories make one believe that they are one stake away from a lifetime of financial freedom.
But let’s be for real- how much has the average gambler actually won in pursuit of millions? How much have they spent in attempts to win? How many breakfasts and lunches have they forgone to use the money to place bets?
The irony is that many people know they have a gambling problem- be it small or large amounts of money used. They know the ‘house’ always wins in these betting stakes but they refuse to find means to exit this cycle of losses, desperate top-ups and chasing yesterday’s winnings. Their wallets continue crying louder than their excitement but they don’t see a way how they will stop betting.
Hence the question, must you really bet? Especially in this Kenyan economy where unemployment is high and life is expensive? Do you often find yourself wondering if betting was the secret to getting rich, why are the betting companies the one that are thriving? And still, must you bet?
If your answer is yes, Nairobi-based Counselling Psychologist Ms Audrey Oluyole has some tips for how you can regain some control over your spending addiction on betting stakes.
“So gambling addiction isn’t just about money, it’s about the psychological grip it has on a person’s emotions, decision making and sense of control. The rush of a potential win, the illusion of just one more bet and the emotional roller coaster of chasing losses can create a powerful cycle that’s hard to break.
But the good news is recovery is possible. So number one, breaking the cycle of chasing losses. Compulsive gambling often leads to a dangerous mindset believing that the next bet will recover past losses, but this keeps a person trapped in the cycle,” began Ms Oluyole.
She went on, “Psychological techniques that can help break the cycle include cognitive behavioral therapy which helps gamblers recognize distorted thinking patterns, like believing they are due for a win and replace them with a healthier perspective. Then the second one is delay techniques. When the urge to gamble strikes, postponing it by even 10 minutes allows emotions to settle, reducing the impulsivity.”
Ms Oluyole further mentioned that practical road blocks could be set up to minimize gambling. Such means include have financial barriers in place such as handing over financial control to a trusted person.
She also mentioned that gamblers should strive to recognize the emotional triggers that drive them to placing bets and find healthier coping strategies.
“Gambling is often a response to deeper emotional triggers such as stress, loneliness, boredom or the need for excitement. Recognizing these triggers is key to replacing gambling with healthier habits. So one of the healthier habits is journaling and mindfulness. Tracking thoughts and emotions before gambling can reveal patterns and help develop self-awareness. Then, to look for healthier dopamine boosters, exercise, hobbies or even social activities can provide the same threat gambling does, but without the risk,” explained Ms Oluyole.
One, then, can emotionally regulate themselves with practices such as deep breathing, meditation talking to a trusted friend can help process emotions in a constructive way.
“Seek help without shame. Addictions thrive in secrecy and shame often prevents people from seeking help but recovery doesn’t mean facing it alone. Professional help, especially therapy that specializes in addiction, offers a structured path to recovery. Therapy helps a person understand the emotional drivers of their gambling and develop strategies to regain control. Another way to get help is support groups. Groups like Gamblers Anonymous provide a sense of community and accountability, showing people they’re not alone in the struggle while providing anonymity.
Then give yourself self-compassion. Instead of guilt, approach recovery with self-kindness. Addiction is not a moral feeling, but a behavioral pattern that can be changed. Regaining control is possible. If you’re struggling with gambling, know that there’s hope. The key is to take small intentional steps towards change, whether that’s setting financial limits, recognizing emotional triggers or reaching out for support. You don’t have to do it alone and you’re capable of reclaiming control over your life,” concluded Ms Oluyole.
Kenya’s betting craze has evolved into a silent, unchecked epidemic, fueled by the ease and secrecy of mobile phone betting. With just a few taps, anyone can place a bet anytime, anywhere and without anyone knowing. The anonymity of mobile transactions means that a person can drain their entire paycheck without raising suspicion, making it even harder to recognize when betting has spiraled into addiction.
Unlike traditional forms of gambling that required physical presence and social exposure, today’s digital betting platforms have created a deeply personal and concealed struggle, where thousands are losing money daily in isolation. If left unchecked, this hidden addiction could cripple entire generations financially and mentally, all under the illusion of a quick win.
But as Ms Oluyole has advised, there is a way, outside of receiving financial management advise, how one can psychologically regain control of their betting addictions and how they spend.
