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Gibson Mhaka
Although “winning too much” is a rare reason for casinos to ban a customer, it can theoretically happen.
Nonetheless, the phrase, “It’s God’s case no appeal” perfectly applies to the plight of a prominent Bulawayo prophet. He was reportedly banned from casinos for winning big, and now, according to reports, more casinos outside the city have also banned him because lady luck seemed to be permanently on his side.
Prophet Archbishop Emmanuel Mutumwa, leader of the Johanne Masowe eChishanu Apostolic Sect’s woes started when he won over US$ 30,000 at a local casino, claiming God revealed the winning formula to him in a vision. It has turned out that other casinos have banned him from playing, citing concerns about “excessive payouts” to the same winning gambler, especially one believed to be aided by spiritual guidance. According to a source close to the prophet, his successes in betting shops have resulted in another casino in Gweru denying him a seat at the table.
“When he entered they were not very nice to him. They didn’t want him to play. He watched others for a bit and then left. He was escorted out by a member of staff and the manager,” said the source.
His banning from the casino in Gweru came after he was also banned at another joint in Bulawayo and another place in Gwanda. Contacted for comment, a manager at a casino where Archbishop Mutumwa was banned could neither confirm nor deny the incident.
“I am not at liberty to comment on that issue with the Press,” he said before he hung up the phone.
However, in an interview with B-Metro, a livid Archbishop Mutumwa confirmed the ban, describing it as “utterly immoral and predatory.”
“They kicked me out. It’s shocking. They wouldn’t let me play. I had this painful experience at a casino in Gweru. They said I wasn’t allowed because other casinos banned me for winning too much. They said they apparently can’t afford to pay me out if I win again. This was despite the fact that I had once tried my luck at this casino and lost a lot of money. It seems unfair to target winners.
“The real reason they gave for the ban is that I’m a prophet and God reveals winning formulas to me in visions. I’ve faced similar situations at casinos in Bulawayo and Gwanda. It’s a shock since casinos are open to everyone. How many people lose money gambling compared to me being banned?
“As someone guided by the Holy Spirit to care for orphans, you can see with the orphanage I’m building that I need funds to finish the project. That’s why the Holy Spirit instructed me to try the casino. Even though I’m banned, I still help other people to win at betting spiritually,” said Archbishop Mutumwa.
Asked if it was not against the Christian doctrine to bet, Archbishop Mutumwa maintained that there was nothing wrong with betting if it was guided by the Holy Spirit.
“According to my Christian beliefs, there is nothing wrong with betting if it is guided by the Holy Spirit. It’s divinely sent, just like when the Holy Spirit instructs someone to pray on a mountain for a miracle. The same applies to me. I believe I’m receiving revelations from God to help the poor with the money I win playing the casino. Isn’t it a blessing to use these winnings to uplift my congregation? That’s why many people seek my spiritual guidance on winning lotteries, casinos or bets. They believe these acts are sanctioned by God,” he explained.
However, Lotteries and Gaming Board Chief executive Dr Misheck Chingozha said they only learnt about the matter through the media.
“The board has just been made aware of this matter through the media. It wouldn’t be prudent for us to comment on something we haven’t officially received. We can only provide a statement once the matter has been brought to our attention,” said Dr Chingozha.
The board is a regulatory authority for the gaming industry and is established by the Lotteries and Gaming Act. Meanwhile, a manager at a local casino who spoke on condition of anonymity, said betting establishments typically restrict or close accounts of those who win consistently.
Online Reporter