By Burnett Munthali

Marten Sounds and Ghetto Promotions are set to launch a nationwide campaign aimed at highlighting the negative effects of gambling on mental health.

The campaign will officially begin on Saturday at Country Club Limbe in Blantyre and will feature a talk show, live music performances, and a social football tournament.

According to the organisers, the initiative seeks to raise awareness about the mental health consequences of gambling, an issue often overlooked in public discussions about the industry.

In an interview, organiser Chitsanzo Mlotho explained that the campaign aims to draw attention to the emotional and psychological challenges associated with gambling, which betting companies rarely address.

“These challenges include stress, depression, and, in extreme cases, suicide following significant financial losses, sometimes involving money that does not belong to the individual,” Mlotho said.

He further noted a growing trend of individuals abandoning formal employment to gamble full-time, a practice that exacerbates mental health conditions within communities.

Premier Bet, a leading player in Malawi’s gambling sector, has partnered with Marten Sounds and Ghetto Promotions to support the initiative and promote responsible gambling practices.

The organisers stressed that the campaign is intended to educate the public, encourage responsible behaviour, and foster conversations around the often-hidden mental health costs of gambling.

During the launch, music acts including Lulu and Mathumela Band, Mibawa Band, Jetu, and Qaso will perform, combining entertainment with an informative platform to engage communities.

The campaign represents a collaborative effort between entertainment and industry stakeholders to ensure that the social and psychological impacts of gambling receive the attention they deserve across Malawi.