Mr Marx Itamalo|

Apart from those lucky enough to win at Sport betting gambling activities, there are also those addicted to gambling and are losing a lot of money without winning.

A gambler who spoke to Omutumwa Online anonymously revealed how she had lost a fortune in betting without any major win. This player, a pharmacy assistant tells this publication she started betting online last year.

According to her estimations, she has lost a total of N$20 000 without winning any significant amount.

“The largest I won was only N$2000 in December last year,” she stressed. She pointed out she opted to register and play online as she does not want to be seen standing in a betting shop as a young professional.

HOUSES NEGLECTED, CHILDREN STEALING TO BET

Meanwhile, society has lamented the existence of betting shops saying they have led to the neglect and destruction of families and homes.

Many people are complaining that gamblers, especially men, are no longer fulfilling their duties at home and are unable to take care of their families as they spend almost all their earnings on betting itching to win fortunes.

Many parents also argue that school-going children are also stealing money to bet.

“Aasamane momagumbo kayemo we. Oya kalela owala uubettinga. Alikana napu ningwesha. Noattention iha tu yi mono we, uubettinga mbela owo wa ningapo aakulukadhi yawo,”-“Men are no longer at home. They are just betting. Something must be done. We even no longer get attention, maybe betting shops have become their wives,” vegetable seller Lahja Egumbo seethes.

ADDICTION

Many people who are involved in sport betting are alleged to have become addicted to it to the extent that some could sneak from work to go bet. Those registered to bet online are also allegedly involved in betting while at work.

“It’s worse for those addicted. They cannot leave it. Every dollar that comes in the pocket goes to betting,” an observer told this publication.

Parent John Natangwe fumes at the fact that betting shops are letting school-going and under-age people to bet. He stressed this has led to children stealing money or engaged in illicit activities to obtain money for betting.

“To me betting is just gambling. It is similar to spinning a gambling machine. Why do they let children to bet? They are destroying our children,” he said whilst imploring government to enforce strict measures to compel betting businesses to stop letting under age people to bet.

An owner of a sports betting business at Omafo in Ohangwena said betting houses do not make excessive profits as it is perceived. He stressed that it is a 50/50 situation.

“It is just an equal equation. We get what we get and we also pay out a lot of money to customers who win,” he stressed while refusing to divulge how much his business makes daily or on a monthly basis. He indicated that he does not allow children to bet in his shop.

A police source in Helao Nafidi town said they have received complaints from parents in the town who accused betting shops of letting their children bet and they say this has led to theft of money.

“It has been reported to us many times by parents who want betting shops to close because their children are stealing money and spending a lot of time at betting shops than to be occupied with their school work. We therefore call upon betting shop owners and workers not to allow children to bet,” he said.

In the photo: Sportbetting gambling is a serious industry worldwide.