Government asked to curb unbridled gambling

The youth have been urged to stay away from unregistered betting sites and focus on working on legal activities.Susan Wambura, the lucky winner of a betting game organised by Coca-Cola, speaking to the Press in Kerugoya called for government regulation of betting companies, saying numerous betting games have evolved which has led to an increase in mental health issues among youth and increased domestic violence and other vices.Wambura said betting companies have sprung up everywhere in the country, enticing youth with hopes of striking it rich overnight yet leaving them in a desperate situation with unsolved problems due being hooked on gambling.She said the government is a stakeholder in all companies and thus has a crucial role to protect its citizens by serving justice to those who get conned, hence minimizing fraud.Wambura said the legitimate well-managed companies have contributed to positive social change in the community, including creating employment, assisting the less fortunate in the commun ity, paying school fees for the needy, paying medical bills, while other corporates have been on the forefront of talent search.Erick Mutuku, the store manager at Coca-Cola deport in Mwea sub county said there has been an increase in sales, saying the promotion has led to increased demand for manpower in his store thus creating jobs and promoting the development of Mwea.Source: Kenya News Agency