Dar es Salaam. In the vibrant suburb of Sinza, where the neon lights of casinos beckon and the allure of arcade games entice, lies a haunting narrative of addiction and resilience.
The story of Malik Augustino, a 34-year-old taxi driver who fallen into gambling obsession, echoes the same haunting refrain of spiralling into the depths of addiction and clawing his way back to the light.
For Mr Augustino, the descent into addiction was gradual, fuelled by a fateful night of friendship and chance.
“I had never been much of a gambler but something about the thrill of the games drew me in,” he admits.
What began as a casual pastime soon transformed into a relentless pursuit of wins, blurring the lines between leisure and compulsion.
With each victory, came a limitless hunger for more, driving Mr Augustino deeper into the clutches of addiction.
“I found myself spending more and more time at the casinos,” he confesses, his voice tinged with regret. “I deceived my loved ones, convinced I could stop anytime I wanted.”
As debts mounted and relationships strained, he found himself fascinated in a vicious cycle of anxiety and desperation.
It was not until he faced the stark reality of financial ruin that Mr Augustino sought help, turning to his elder brother for guidance.
“My brother counselled me tirelessly until I was ready to break free from the grip of addiction,” he recounts, gratitude evident in his tone.
He is now a taxi driver who is free from gambling addiction.
His story is similar to that of Ali Mahafoudh, 29, a resident of Manzese who started gambling as a passionate football fan, supporting his favourite team, Liverpool Football Club.
The passion took a dangerous turn when he discovered the world of football betting apps.
“At first, it was just for fun, I would place a few bets here and there, thinking I could beat the odds,” he shares.
But as the wins became losses, and the losses piled up, he found himself caught in a downward spiral he couldn’t escape.
“I started spending more and more time on the apps,” he confesses. “I would wake up thinking about my next bet, and I would go to bed cursing my losses,” he says.
It wasn’t long before Mr Mahfoudh who is a storekeeper realised he had crossed a dangerous line—that he was no longer in control of his impulses.
“It took me eight months to realise I was in a wrong track,” he reveals.
The moment of truth came one fateful night when Mr Mahfoudh found himself alone in his room, surrounded by the glow of his smartphone screen.
“I had just lost another bet, and I realised I couldn’t remember the last time I had won,” he recalls when he noticed to have a problem.
As his dependency intensified, its consequences reverberated throughout his life. He started to disregard his duties, skipping classes, and neglecting his academic pursuits.
Additionally, his relationships began to deteriorate, causing concern among friends and family members regarding his overall well-being.
“I was living in a constant state of anxiety. I was drowning in debt, and I didn’t know how to break free,” Mr Mahfoudh reveals.
With the support of his loved ones, he sought help from counselling, determined to reclaim his life from the clutches of addiction.
“It wasn’t easy but with each passing day, I felt myself growing stronger, more resilient,” he admits.
Gradually, yet steadily, Mr Mahfoudh embarked on the journey to reconstruct his life. He reunited with former companions and reignited his enthusiasm for long-abandoned pastimes, such as crafting novels.
“It’s been a journey of self-discovery. I’ve learned to love myself again, flaws and all, and to find joy in the simple pleasures of life,” he reflects, a smile spreading across his face.
The growth of the gaming industry has not only affected adults but is now threatening addiction to children who seek quick cash from slot machines.
With the operators whom the Gaming Board of Tanzania is accusing of existing illegally, the parents urge the government to institute stricter regulatory measures which will address the involvement of children in the games of chance.
School children flock to a slot machine as a man enters with a box containing tokens. PHOTO | THE CITIZEN CORRESPONDENT
Sinza resident, Mr Austin Maira, is concerned about the prevalence of gambling among children, saying the situation is now alarming.
“The fact that children are engaging in betting activities at such a young age speaks volumes about the influence of the gambling industry and the lack of effective regulation,” he says, adding that parents must also educate their children about the dangers of gambling and the importance of making responsible financial decisions.
“We need to have open and honest conversations with our kids about the risks associated with betting, including the potential loss of money, addiction, and negative impacts on mental health. We also need to advocate for stricter regulations on betting advertisements and online platforms to limit children’s exposure to these harmful influences,” he adds.
Mr Maira’s call was stressed by Ms Samira Said, also from Sinza, who asked parents to be more vigilant about what the children are exposed to online.
“The influence of betting advertisements and social media on our kids is concerning. It’s becoming increasingly challenging to shield our children from these influences, especially with the widespread use of smartphones and the internet,” she says.
“We need to establish clear boundaries around screen time and monitor our children’s online activities closely. Moreover, we need to teach our kids critical thinking skills to help them navigate the complex digital world,” she adds.
Kinondoni resident Ms Annamarie Godbless, says the rise of betting among children reflects broader societal issues.
“We need better regulation of these industries and more education for both parents and children about the risks involved. It’s not enough to simply blame the children or their parents; we need systemic changes to address the root causes of this problem,” she says.
According to her, measures such as tackling poverty, improving access to education and employment opportunities, and providing better support for families,” are needed to address the problem.
“Poverty and economic inequalities are driving forces behind this issue, and we need to work towards creating a society where all children have access to the resources they need to succeed. I think by teaching our children the value of hard work, resilience, and responsible financial management, we can empower them to make better choices for their future,” says Tabata resident Jumapili Abdul.
Sinza resident, Mr Herman Kimaro, issues driving children to betting must be addressed by the community collectively.
“We must create a supportive environment where children feel valued, respected, and empowered to pursue their dreams. This means investing in programmes and services that promote youth development, such as mentoring, tutoring, and extracurricular activities,” he says.
“It also means fostering a sense of belonging and connection within our communities, so that children have a strong support network to turn to when they need help. By working together to address the root causes of gambling among children, we can create a brighter future for the next generation,” he adds.