By Vincent Gunde
A youth-based organization, Youth Alive Mchinji, says it is deeply concerned about the negative impact of the increasing gambling activities in Malawi which have contributed significantly to worsening poverty levels in the country.
The organization said while it acknowledges that gambling is a legally recommended industry governed by the Gaming Act of 1996, it is alarmed by the growing number of gambling companies and their adverse effects on the society and national development.
It said the Malawi Gaming Board is responsible for regulating gambling activities and has repeatedly warned citizens to engage in responsible gambling as a recreational activity rather than a source of income.
In a statement dated 5th April, 2025 signed by Luciano Milala, the Youth Alive Mchinji said gambling has become a serious social and economic threat, with many Malawians spending excessive amounts of time and financial resources on betting instead of engaging in productive activities.
The Youth Alive Mchinji said it has observed with a great concern that the rise in gambling companies has made it easy for individuals including vulnerable groups, to participate in excessive gambling, leading to severe financial ruin.
The organization has claimed that many people have fallen into poverty due to gambling addiction, losing their savings, assets, and livelihoods, saying some have resorted to illegal activities, including fraud and theft to sustain their gambling habits, resulting in imprisonment and broken families.
It said gambling-related distress has led to mental health issues, and in extreme cases, suicide observing that several countries have imposed strict regulations on gambling to protect their citizens saying strong regulatory frameworks can help mitigate the negative impact of gambling on society.
“We urge the Government to amend gambling laws to impose stricter regulations limiting the number of gambling companies in Malawi and strengthen regulatory oversight to ensure only reputable and responsible operators are licensed,” reads the statement in part.
The Youth Alive Mchinji has called for restrictions on excessive gambling advertisements across all media to prevent the glorification of gambling as a financial solution urging the government to introduce awareness campaigns on the dangers of excessive gambling while promoting alternative economic empowerment initiatives, especially for young people and vulnerable groups.
The organization said enforcement of responsible gambling policies must also be enhanced to ensure companies comply with ethical standards and provide adequate support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
It says gambling should not be a stumbling block to national development saying it must be tightly controlled to prevent further socio-economic damage, calling upon the government, law makers, and relevant stakeholders to take immediate action to address this growing crisis before it further undermines the country’s progress.
