Online Reporter
Your Money, Your Call
Cresencia Marjorie Chiremba
GIVEN their global reach, gambling platforms are raking in huge profits while many families sink into debt, despair and serious trust issues as a result of betting.
A recent exposé by one of our sister papers on the batting scourge laid bare the magnitude of addiction in Zimbabwe. But what comes next?
The call from communities and health professionals is clear: recovery demands more than outrage. It requires responsible frameworks, coordinated support systems and bold new tools. Policy advocates are not pulling punches.
Proposals include banning gambling advertisements, enforcing steep licensing fees, taxing platforms to fund rehabilitation and mandating on-site counselling centres. Families, too, could be empowered to report struggling gamblers for temporary exclusion, turning households into first responders.
But not everyone believes bans are the answer. One contributor compares it to alcohol regulation: “Just like a bartender says “enough”, betting platforms should block accounts after a financial loss threshold.”
Using login credentials, platforms could auto-pause gamblers after excessive losses, forcing reflection and offering links to support services — not just another round of risk.
Medical experts add depth to this solution-focussed debate.
A physician highlights responsible gambling models used across South Africa, Europe and the United States.
“Closing venues will not stop demand,” he warns.
“Let us educate people on odds transparency, loss-limiting strategies and how to avoid platforms built on pure chance.”
He advocates public-private campaigns that reduce harm and promote informed betting — not addictive manipulation. A general practitioner emphasises the individuality of gambling disorder.
“Each case carries its own burden,” he says.Some gamble to escape financial strain. Others chase thrills or fund other habits. Counselling helps unpack those drivers.”
He recommends motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioural therapy tailored to gambling patterns and support groups that blend peer accountability with professional guidance.
Faith-based communities agree that healing must include spiritual intervention. One reader shared a story of a relative who broke a long-term addiction through prayer, family monitoring and a two-week sabbatical immersed in Scripture.
“It was not a physical battle — it was spiritual,” noted the family member.
After four months, the individual reports the gambling urge is finally fading. On the economic front, contributors warn that high unemployment creates fertile ground for addiction.
As the gambling industry spins profits, citizens and other stakeholders need to join hands in fighting addiction.
With few stable income opportunities, some turn to betting as a flawed survival tool.
Solutions include youth hubs, cooperatives, creative workspaces and school-based financial literacy programmes.
Additional community-sourced strategies include:
Pre-gambling counselling and certification
Digital self-exclusion tools tied to login credentials and financial thresholds
Campaigns funded by betting houses warning about addiction risks
Vocational training and start-up funding for the youth
Integrated faith-and-therapy models for healing
Family-centred intervention kits for compassionate conversations
Government-sponsored clinics equipped for screening and referrals
As one reader put it, “Start with empathy. Check the severity. Tough love if needed. And call in the professionals.”
Another urged policymakers to treat gambling as a public health issue — not just a business sector.
The conclusion?
Zimbabwe does not need more silence. It needs strategy.
Cresencia Marjorie Chiremba is a marketing and customer service consultant,customer experience columnist and sales and service trainer. Contact details: [email protected] or +263712979461, 0719978335, 0772978335, www.customersuccess.co.zw
Online Reporter