The Africa Review in Five highlights African current affairs from a Christian perspective. Listen and subscribe through Youtube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Today is Friday, June 30th, A.D. 2023. This is The Africa Review in Five, written by Paul Schlehlein and presented by Yamikani Katunga

Gambling in Africa

How should African Christians think about gambling? Is gambling a significant issue on the continent and does Scripture affirm or oppose it?

According to an Africa Business Insider article in March of 2023, the highest gambling markets in Africa are the countries of South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda. In South Africa, though there are several dozen operational land casinos in the country, the most popular form of gambling is sports betting. Sports betting is also the most common form of gambling in Kenya. According to Statista, as of 2021, gambling among youth in Africa was highest in Kenya, with 84% saying they’ve participated in gambling.

Ghana has hundreds of gaming websites. In Nigeria, the most populated country on the continent, bettors contribute a staggering $2 billion per year. Governments in Uganda and many other countries are deliberating if they should in fact ban online gambling. 

But the income seems too much for these countries to refuse. Gambling is not only popular in Africa’s most prosperous nations, but it is also in demand in poorer countries like Zimbabwe, where many residents do not make more than $100 a month. In these countries, online gambling is booming. Money is put down on one’s favorite team and far more often than not, the bettor loses. His chances of winning cannot overcome the odds that are not in his favor. This only leads to more poverty and higher crime rates. 

But because the gross revenue for legal gambling yields billions of dollars for countries around the world, many argue it is a good thing because it brings in business, entertainment, and jobs. 

There are several reasons why Christians should not gamble. Firstly, it focuses on quick and easy money rather than hard work, saving, and developing skills. Proverbs 28:19 says, “Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.” The lottery and gambling are examples of “worthless pursuits”  that will lead to poverty. 

Secondly, gambling is addicting. Paul pledged in 1 Corinthians 6:12, “I will not be dominated by anything.” The lottery does just this. Many who gamble would stop if they could but they do not have the willpower and character to do so. There are entire medical sectors given over to treat the problem of compulsive gambling. In a BBC article following Kenyan gambling, one Kenyan man said: “I am a betting addict. I bet 100 Kenyan shillings a day and 1,000 to 1,500 Kenyan shillings during weekends.” All because of the allure of instant money. 

Here is the solution to the problem of gambling. First, be content with what you have through the work and initiative God has given you. Phil. 4:11 says, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”

Firstly, don’t take shortcuts because you are envious of another’s possessions. Deuteronomy 5:21 says, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. And you shall not desire your neighbor’s house, his field, or his male servant, or his female servant, his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.’ 

Secondly, work hard for the money you have. Proverbs 14:23 says, “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” Work hard. Plan. Be frugal. Be content. 

Oh, and never start gambling in the first place and you’ll not have to fight the urge in the future.
And that’s it for The Africa Review in Five on this Friday, June 30th in the year of our Lord 2023. Subscribe to the Missionary Minds podcast on Spotify or Apple podcasts. I’m Yamikani Katunga. Be not weary in well-doing.