The Youth and Gambling- a growing concern in Ghana 

Amidst the cacophony of street sellers and blaring sirens, betting and gambling in Ghana is quietly gaining momentum.

The excitement of betting on sports has captured the hearts and minds of the younger generation, from the passionate cheers at football games to the quiet murmurs in poorly lit corners, gambling is quietly gaining momentum.

Something that was once considered merely a pastime has now morphed into a pervasive presence in the lives of many Ghanaian youths, casting a shadow over their aspirations and financial well-being.

You can wager on anything—football, horse racing, hockey, golf—you name it. It is morphed into a gamble with actual repercussions rather than only a game.

What drives this widespread embrace of youth gambling among Ghana’s youth? The reasons are as diverse as the individuals themselves.

For some, it’s the thrill of the unknown, the adrenaline rush that comes with risking it all on a single outcome. For others, it’s a means of escape, a temporary reprieve from the harsh realities of life in a country where economic opportunities can be scarce.

However, underneath the glamour and the prospect of easy money comes a more sinister reality: the toll it exacts on both people and communities. families left penniless by breadwinners who waste their income on losing gambling. Dreams postponed as impressionable brains get caught up in an addiction loop, their potential smothered by the never-ending chase of unattainable wealth.

It’s a concern that cannot be brushed aside lightly. The impact of youth gambling extends far beyond the confines of the betting shop, seeping into the very fabric of society. It strains relationships, fosters distrust, and perpetuates inequality as the most vulnerable bear the brunt of its consequences.

Even in the face of legal prohibitions, young people continue to gamble. This behaviour is strongly influenced by socio-demographic traits, technological accessibility, and attitudes toward sports betting.

There are alarming concerns over the long-term effects of gambling’s normalisation in Ghanaian society. When we romanticise something that can result in both financial and emotional catastrophe, what message are we giving our children?

Notwithstanding, how can we balance the encouragement of responsible gaming with the widespread marketing of sports betting?

Addressing these concerns requires a multi-faceted approach. In our next article, we will dig deep to address some of these concerns.