By: David Shoombe
With the commencement of the FIFA World Cup last week, football lovers are not only enjoying the game itself, but also the opportunities presented by the sporting event.
Namibia is one of the most unequal countries in the world, following closely behind South Africa, according to the 2025 World Bank rankings. That said, several from lower-income communities continue to seek ways to earn and improve their livelihoods.
Gambling has become one of the means people explore to put food on the table.
50-year-old Okuryangava resident, Dice Alweendo, shares his story about being a parent making ends meet via street-based gambling in the form of playing cards, table pool, and sport betting.
As the cost of living in Windhoek continues to rise, many parents are finding alternative ways to support their families and keep their households running.
Alweendo recounts a story of hardship after losing his job in 2022, sharing that while gambling and playing cards for money are often viewed as addictive and dangerous, they have become his means of survival.
“Money is a mindset. It’s not about how much you earn, but what you do with your next dollar. I have sent my children to school, fed my family, and maintained myself by managing my money wisely,” said Alweendo.
He explained that after losing his job as a mathematics teacher, life became difficult. His pension funds quickly depleted, and the financial strain nearly led to the breakdown of his family, he shares. He then learned how to play table pool and gradually became involved in gambling.
He adds that he has used his table pool skills to his advantage, becoming well-known for winning local table pool competitions.
“Life on the streets is not easy. There are few regulations governing competitions, and sometimes you can lose your money to con artists if you’re not careful because of the nature of the games we play,” he expressed.
Alweendo explained that he has changed from being a serious gambler into a more responsible investor.
He believes that separating gambling funds from family responsibilities and investing in small businesses has helped him maintain financial stability.
Nelly Shifotoka, a young street gambler, also shared the challenges of making a living through gambling.
“I have a degree in management, but I have never secured a job since graduating in 2017,” remarked Shifotoka.
She explained that she learned the hard way about how people spend their days relying entirely on luck and possibilities through cards and dice.
Shifotoka shared that she started playing dice games in the streets after completing university.
Shifotoka indicated that dice games are more than just games; they are also about building relationships with people who can offer protection when someone wins a significant amount of money. They are also games of resilience and faith, she said.
That said, Shifotoka noted that she has managed to pay her rent consistently for the past three years while maintaining a relatively stable lifestyle despite occasional financial setbacks during losses.
She believes that the World Cup presents a valuable opportunity for people like her to test their luck and potentially increase their earnings.
Meanwhile, in neighbouring South Africa, the country has experienced a significant rise in sports betting and online gambling, accompanied by growing concerns about its impacts on mental health.
With Namibia’s high unemployment rate, the risk of rising numbers of gamblers exists.
