Marten Sounds and Ghetto promotions are set to launch a nationwide campaign highlighting the ills of gambling on mental health.
The campaign will be launched on Saturday at Country Club Limbe in Blantyre and will be marked by a talk show, music performances and a social football tournament.
According to the organisers, the campaign seeks to raise awareness on mental health effects of gambling.
In an interview yesterday, Marten Sounds operations director Chitsanzo Mlotho said their initiative wants to bring to the fore issues that the betting companies rarely address.
“We are focusing on the emotional and psychological challenges associated with gambling. These include stress, depression and in extreme cases, suicide following major financial losses and in some cases involving money that does not belong to them,” he said.
Mlotho said they have noted a growing trend of individuals who are abandoning formal employment to engage in gambling as a full-time activity, leading to worsening mental health conditions within communities.
He said the initiative is the beginning of a long-term nationwide
campaign.
“We plan to take this initiative across Malawi. By the end of February
2026, we will have extended the campaign to Lilongwe and Mzuzu. Our mission is to promote responsible gambling and help reduce mental health challenges that often lead to tragic outcomes,” said Mlotho.
Betting company Premier Bet has partnered Marten Sounds and Ghetto Promotions on the initiative. The company said as a key player in Malawi’s gambling industry, they are committed to promoting responsible gambling.
Ghetto Promotions director Dave Malamia has commended Premier Bet for supporting the campaign. He said people should not view the initiative as an anti-gambling drive, but a platform to promote responsible gambling and safeguard
mental wellbeing.
“People should treat gambling as entertainment. If you gamble, think about tomorrow. Don’t fall victim to peer pressure,” he said.
The organisers said the public talk show is designed to educate, engage and gather views from Malawians on gambling-related challenges.
The discussion panel will include Blantyre City Mayor Isaac Jomo Osman, Monsignor Boniface Tamani of the Blantyre Arch Diocese of the Catholic Church, Limbe Police Station officer-in charge Edwin Mnkhambo and Zomba Mental Hospital director Dr Raphael Piringu.
The music acts performing during the launch include Lulu and Mathumela Band, Mibawa Band, Jetu and Qaso.
