Kenya, April 22 -- There is a big increase in online betting in Kenya, especially with a game called "Aviator". This game is changing how people in Kenya see gambling.

Aviator started in 2019 by a company called Spribe and has become very popular. Websites like BetLion, MozzartBet, and 1xBet say they are taking in millions of shillings every day from players.

It is estimated that Kenyans bet up to KSh 2 billion (about $18 million) every day on Aviator. People like this game because it is easy to play and offers chances to win a lot of money.

In Aviator, players bet on how long a virtual aeroplane will fly before it crashes. The game is attractive to many people because you can start betting with as little as KSh 1, and the winnings can be up to 1,000,000 times your bet.

Using mobile phone apps and a service called M-Pesa makes it easy for people to play. Most adults in Kenya own smartphones, which helps more people join in. Many platforms offer bonuses, like free bets, to attract players.

However, the popularity of Aviator has raised concerns. There are increasing reports of people becoming addicted or losing a lot of money.

Some sad stories are coming to light, such as a teacher who took his life after losing KSh 900,000, and a journalist who lost KSh 2.8 million meant for studying in the UK.

An analyst named Rufas Kamau says that while Aviator promises high returns, it is meant for entertainment and not as a way to make money. Betting companies keep up to 80% of the money people bet.

The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) is in charge of overseeing the betting industry, making sure that legal platforms like Betafriq and 22Bet follow the rules.

However, some people think the regulations are not keeping up with how fast the game is growing.

Many people are expressing their frustration on social media. Some are asking for stricter rules on how the game is advertised, especially on local radio stations.

As Kenya's betting market, which is the biggest in Africa with over 100 legal operators, continues to expand, experts are advising players to gamble responsibly to help reduce the negative effects of Aviator's rapid rise.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.