As the gambling business is taking root in Rwanda, the manager of Casino Kigali warns that you should see it as a form of entertainment, not a way of making money.

It’s not about money, it’s about fun. (file photo)

Gambling is still new to Rwandans, and there is certainly a thing or two that people need to understand about these games. A few months ago, Casino Kigali at Top Tower hotel became the first such place in the country, but meanwhile another casino has opened its doors in Gisenyi. Add to that other less posh gaming centers in Kigali, and it is clear that the gambling business is taking root. The problem is, however, that most people don’t understand the game; some think that it’s an easy way to earn money, while others are convinced that it’s the fastest way to lose it.

According to Jeremy Mann, the manager of Casino Kigali, it’s hard to predict whether you will win or lose when you decide to gamble. Therefore, his advice is to consider it as entertainment, and when you walk into a casino you should expect to lose money since there is no guarantee that you will win.

“What people need to know is that it’s not a money-making business; they should not come here to earn money, but to enjoy themselves,” Mann explains. “Therefore, you should determine the amount you want to spend in advance, and not bring any more money with you, because unless you have a strong personality and are able to stop yourself, you risk losing all you got in the pocket.”

As popular as football

He therefore argues that people should not consider gambling as something “evil,” saying that everything depends on a player’s attitude. “The player must have a right attitude, which is that you expect that you are going to lose,” the manager says.

So he cautions visitors to the casino not to think that they are playing to win. “If you come in with two hundred dollars, there’s a big chance you will leave without it,” Mann warns, adding that those who don’t like losing shouldn’t venture into gambling.

According to Fabrice, a regular gambler, it’s not good to continue playing once you have won a sum of money. Because, you tend to get excited and think that you might win more if you keep playing, but you will end up losing it all.

He also points out that even if experience might help improve your chances, you can never be sure. “Experience helps in gambling, but we too face challenges; at times, I can tell if I’ve got chances of winning the game, but machines do change characteristics once in a while and you may not read the signs, so you play only to lose,” Fabrice explains.

On the whole gambling may be getting more popular, yet the sector still face hindrances. According to Casino manager Jeremy Mann, it’s only a matter of time for gambling to become as popular as football in Rwanda, even though people are still suspicious because they don’t know the game.

“I think Rwandans still do not understand what gambling is about. Many think that they will lose their trousers through gambling, but it’s basically not about that,” Mann says.

Therefore, Casino Kigali wants to organize sensitization throughout the country, so that people can get a better understanding. “We are planning to go on the radio and explain what a casino is, talk about individual games, and try to create interest in the general public.”

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