The new football season is here and with it, there’s likely to be gaming addiction…
That’s why GameHelp Kenya, a non-profit organisation, has launched a drive to helped those hooked onto betting with abandon to hold back.
September 16, 2019, is a day that has remained etched in the mind of Michael Mbogo. It is when he got his life together again — by quitting gambling — an addiction that had left him hopeless for more than 10 years.
Michael Mbogo, one of the beneficiaries of the GameHelp Kenya services on September 11, 2020 at GameHelp Kenya Ruiru, Kimbo.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Just like how it has happened to a number of gambling addicts, Mbogo found himself a “wanted man” because he owed several people money.
“I could not live without betting, and because I had no money, I borrowed from friends hoping to win and refund them. That rarely happened,” he told Nation Sport .
As a result, the 42-year-old says he deserted his family several times, opting to live on the streets to evade meeting his creditors.
But thanks to GameHelp Kenya, which seeks to rehabilitate gambling addicts and promote responsible betting in the country, Mbogo re-united with his family.
Joseph Kamau, the chairman GamHelp Kenya said Friday that since when the organisation opened its doors in 2018, they are in the process of rehabilitating about 300 gambling addicts.
The programme is held at Wonderpeace Rehab Centre and Primrose Rehab and Wellness Centre in Nairobi, with the help of various psychiatrists.
“We believe that the negative impacts of gambling can be curbed if the gaming operators can self-regulate and tie their activities with responsible gambling initiatives, s aid Kamau, adding that they determine those who should benefit from the programme through a set of questions online.
He said that through the program, they hope to establish a “sustainable gaming industry,” as has always been envisioned by the government whenever it cracks down on the betting industry in the country.
Kenya is among several Africa countries that have experienced a storm in sports betting, and other forms of gambling — with many people falling victim to the addictive past time.
As a result, the government moved to control the industry by setting tough regulations, which saw some of the gaming firms exit the market.
Mbogo said that one of the ways they carry out the rehabilitation exercise is through online counselling, where the organisation engages the addicts through digital platforms such as SMS, WhatsApp, Skype, and phone calls.
They have also partnered with several rehabilitation centres across the country in implementing the programme.
