Thelma Wandayi
Amid the buzz of Gweru’s Central Business District(CBD), just steps away from Edgar’s clothing shop, the MWOS (Moors World of Sport) betting shop pulses with life.
Inside, Filda Ncube, a 44-year-old widow, is completely engrossed in her smartphone, her brow furrowed in concentration as she places her bets. The outside world fades away, and the clamor of other patrons discussing odds and potential wins becomes a distant hum.
Ncube’s entry into the world of betting began during the COVID-19 pandemic when economic hardships forced many, including herself, to seek alternative means of survival.
Residing in the high-density suburb of Mkoba, she observed how young men in her neighborhood would spend their days on their phones yet somehow emerge with cash.
“I watched them celebrate their wins and thought I could do this too,” she recalls. She learned to navigate the complexities of betting and soon began to place her own wagers.“It became a matter of survival,” she said
Although some view betting as a precarious gamble, Ncube embraces it as her lifeline.
Earlier this year, she won $800 during the Euro 2024 soccer betting, a fortune that allowed her to purchase property and expand her vending business.
“That money changed my life,” she says, her eyes lighting up with pride. Yet, the betting world is not without its pitfalls. “I lost $50 playing Zvimbwa, the virtual dog race game. It hurts, but I keep trying,” she admits.
Occasionally, Ncube turns to Nyenyedzi Nomwe, a local prophet, for insights into her betting strategy, viewing this as a source of hope despite its unconventional nature.
Just a stone’s throw away, Catherine Sibiya, a 36-year-old single mother of three, finds herself drawn to the energy of the betting scene.
Operating a small merchandise stall at Panters, a local traditional pub situated near MWOS ,she observes the ebb and flow of bettors who frequent the betting arena.
“They come out shouting and celebrating, and I thought, ‘Why not me?” she says.She witnesses the excitement of gamblers walking in and out.“You can feel the energy when someone wins,” Catherine says, her eyes brightening at the memory of spirited celebrations just outside the betting hub. “I realized that I could take my chances too.”
For Sibiya, betting was a safer alternative to more perilous avenues for survival.
“During such hard times, I couldn’t fathom diving into theft or prostitution,” she states resolutely.Betting can feel risky, but at least I have the chance to win back what I lose. In prostitution, you risk not only your health but your life as well,”she explains.
This perspective highlights a crucial element—the desperation that drives women like her and Ncube into the world of betting.
The current economic situation, worsened by the El Niño-induced drought, has further strained their livelihoods, pushing many women into gambling as a potential source of income.
“It’s tough. The drought has affected everything.There is less food, fewer job opportunities.We’re all just trying to survive,” Sibiya laments.
The betting landscape in Zimbabwe reflects a broader trend across Southern Africa.
Zimbabwe Lotteries and Gaming Board regulates MWOS, which has become a major player in the country’s gambling scene. With numerous outlets throughout Zimbabwe, MWOS offers a diverse range of betting options, including popular sports leagues, boxing, and virtual sports.
Recent statistics reveal a significant rise in female participation in betting. Women now account for approximately 30% of all gamblers in Zimbabwe, a marked increase from previous years.
In Southern Africa, the number of women engaging in gambling is on the rise, indicating a shift in the traditionally male-dominated betting world.
The global online gambling market has surged since the onset of the pandemic, with projected revenues reaching $1.62 billion in 2023—nearly double that of 2020. For many, especially in regions where up to 40% of the population lives below the poverty line, gambling is seen as a viable source of income amid high unemployment rates.
The number of betting places in Zimbabwe has surged in recent years, reflecting a growing embrace of this “new normal.”
Ncube and Sibiya represent a growing cohort of women who are redefining their narratives through betting. “It’s not just about gambling for me; it’s about finding a way to support my family and build a future,” Catherine asserts.
As they navigate the complexities of life in Zimbabwe, these women reveal the resilience and adaptability required to thrive against the odds.
In this world of chance, the stakes are high, but for Ncube and Sibiya , hope is a powerful motivator, driving them to take risks in pursuit of a better life.