Kiya Kiya…

Kiya Kiya is the colloquial term used by Zimbabweans to mean making ends meet. Young jobless Zimbabweans are turning to gambling spots for solace and source of livelihood, risking addiction, in a country with a reported 99 percent unemployment rate and whose economy continues to teeter into a cesspit.

Unregistered betting shops are sprouting, targeting innocent punters who risk losing their hard-earned cash. Registration is done by the Lotteries and Gaming board. Other registered establishments comprise Africa Bet, VegasBet, Moors and Soccer Shop. The influx of gaming operators also resulted in a bid to cease issuing operational licenses in 2015, though figures were not availed. Whether this actually became a reality or not remains a mystery… Online betting has enabled punters to place wagers via smart phones while other outlets are installing computers to ease online gambling. Gamblers are spending more time at the tout instead of finding work in an already chronic economy. The blame can not be placed on them really… it’s tough being a Zimbabwean in Zimbabwe right now…

From dog and horse racing to European soccer – punters take aim to win a stake to feed their obsessions plus everyday needs. Idle youths eager to salvage a living, frequent nearby gambling spots daily, creating a culture of addiction but who cares, it is actually better than sitting idly at home… Confronted with a spiral in gambling statistics, the Zimbabwe Responsible Gambling Association (Zirega) has rolled out a campaign: “Keep calm and spend wisely.” Zirega is using treatment and counselling problem gamblers and their immediate families members, prevention and training, public awareness and education to minimise the habit. Previously, betting was more common among older generations, but technological innovation and unemployment has attracted youths who fancy their chances applying their vast computer knowledge. But there is need for self-control to manage spending and earnings to avoid addiction.

Life gamblers

Zimbabwe sports gaming has peaked in the past three years, as groups of self-anointed bookmakers offer assistance to novice players for a commission while some pool resources to share risks on stakes.

Paupers’ domain

As soon as the betting houses open, unemployed men of all ages troop in to spend their day. It has become a form of livelihood. Some believe it’s easy moneyto the extent that even professional people pass through to place bets before hurrying to work. Lately, women have invaded gambling outlets, well we all need the money…

Fortune tellers have joined the gaming craze, peddling lucky charms to improve odds. Portions mixed with “eagle body parts” – a bird gifted with sharp eyesight are yielding handsome returns for the healers.

Though betting is creating some sort of unorthodox employment, it has its detriments…. a lot of people lose a lot and still report “for duty” everyday.

Personally, i wouldn’t judge a punter and call them lazy or anything. Zimbabweans are generally a level headed group of people. If things were much better in terms of the political economy then we wouldn’t be worrying about our relatives and associates who have resorted to sports betting. Adapt or die but in this case the betting house always wins… the best advice to my fellows who are into sports betting is… “Keep making money, as long as you’re placing reasonable bets” Ultimately, it is your livelihood that matters. hopefully, the forthcoming elections will steer the country back on course… we have had enough stirring…