Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu: Sports betting making youth lazy in Ghana

Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, Majority Leader in Parliament has stated that sports betting is a lazy adventure that has eaten deep into the mindset of the country’s youth and that if it is not regulated it will corrupt the youth. His statement comes after the government slapped a 10% tax on winning of sports betting in the country. The new tax is expected to take effect on 15th August 2023 ahead of the start of most of the major league seasons across the globe.

Below is what he said in an interview on Angel Fm in Kumasi which was monitored by GhanaEducation

There are a few reasons why some people, including Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, Majority Leader in Parliament believe that sports betting is making the youth lazy.

• It can lead to addiction. When people start betting on sports, they may initially win some money. This can give them a false sense of security and make them think that they can win big every time. However, the reality is that the odds of winning are stacked against the bettor. This can lead to people becoming addicted to sports betting, as they try to chase their losses. Addiction can take over a person’s life and prevent them from working, studying, or taking care of their responsibilities.

• It can discourage people from working hard. When people think that they can get rich quick by betting on sports, they may be less motivated to work hard in school or at their job. They may believe that they can make more money by betting on sports than they can by working. This can lead to people becoming lazy and unmotivated.

READ: 10% Withholding Tax On Gaming, Betting Takes Effect 15th August

• It can lead to financial problems. When people lose money betting on sports, they may have to borrow money from friends, family, or even loan sharks. This can lead to financial problems, as they may have to pay high-interest rates on the borrowed money. Financial problems can also lead to stress and anxiety, which can make it even harder for people to focus on their work or studies.

Of course, not everyone who bets on sports becomes lazy or addicted. However, it is a risk that people should be aware of. If you are considering betting on sports, it is important to do your research and set limits on how much money you are willing to bet. You should also be aware of the signs of addiction and seek help if you start to develop a problem.

In addition to the reasons mentioned above, sports betting can also make the youth lazy by:

• Taking away their time and focus. When people are constantly betting on sports, they may spend less time on other activities, such as studying, working, or spending time with family and friends. This can lead to them falling behind in their studies or their job, and it can also damage their relationships.
• Giving them a false sense of hope. Betting on sports can give people a false sense of hope that they can get rich quick. This can lead them to make poor financial decisions, such as gambling away their savings or taking out loans that they cannot afford to repay.
• Promoting a culture of instant gratification. Sports betting can promote a culture of instant gratification, as people may expect to win money quickly and easily. This can lead them to become impatient and less willing to work hard for what they want.

Overall, sports betting can have a number of negative consequences for the youth, including laziness, addiction, financial problems, and a loss of focus. It is important for young people to be aware of these risks before they start betting on sports.