A press release signed by the secretary general, office of the president, went on to instruct operators of gambling services and establishments, including lotteries and casinos, to cease operations.
“Gambian society has been built on the foundations of promoting positive social values like thrift and integrity rather than negative ones like greed and avarice,” the dispatch explained. “Therefore, it is the duty of the Gambia Government to safeguard and promote the public welfare of our citizens.
“Of recent, sports betting and gambling dens have mushroomed all over the country. One often sees pupils as young as seven years of age lining at kiosks during school hours and spending their ‘lunch money’ on purchasing sports betting tickets. Also, families often go hungry because household incomes are wagered in gambling dens.
“While proponents argue that gambling and lotteries could be effective ways to raise taxes, it is clearly evident that these vices often hurt those who are poor and disadvantaged. The social and economic costs are enormous and show up in the shattered lives of individuals and their families.
“Gambians are predominantly followers of Islam and Christianity and both religions explicitly or implicitly strictly forbid adherents from engaging in gambling. The Gambia Government will not allow such unethical and exploitative businesses to operate in The Gambia and will vigorously take all actions to prevent the young of The Gambia from becoming a generation of compulsive and addicted gamblers.”
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