Miss Malawi Thandie Chisi will in partnership with betting firm, Premier Bet carry out a six-month responsible betting campaign aimed at promoting awareness and discipline.
The campaign, under the theme ‘Dolo amazipatsa malire’, rolled out on Tuesday in Lilongwe and is running in partnership with the Miss Malawi Organisation.
The campaign seeks to encourage the youth to approach gambling with caution at a time betting platforms are increasingly accessible.
Chisi said she noted that betting has become increasingly accessible through mobile phones and community outlets, making it more important for young people to understand how to engage responsibly and within the law.
“Betting must remain entertainment, not employment. It is not a substitute for education, entrepreneurship or professional growth,” she said.
Chisi warned that unchecked participation risks undermining youth productivity and emphasised on financial literacy, cautioning young people against betting money they cannot afford to lose.
“Borrowing money to bet, using school fees or diverting business capital is not strategy, it is vulnerability. As young people, we must cultivate a culture of budgeting, saving and investing before we consider any form of recreational spending,” she said.
The beauty queen said betting has contributed to increased mental health challenges among youths burdened by unemployment and economic difficulties.
Chisi further stressed the need to protect minors, describing the safeguarding of young people from early exposure to betting as “non-negotiable” and a shared responsibility.
Premier Bet Central Region marketing manager Edson Kumkeyani said the campaign reflects the company’s commitment to customer well-being and national responsibility.
“As a leading betting company, we believe it is our duty to promote safe practices and educate our customers about the risks associated with gambling, especially at a time betting options are more accessible than ever,” he said.
Kumkeyani said partnering with Miss Malawi was a strategic decision to reach young Malawians.
He said while betting can be a form of entertainment, lack of balance and caution can turn it into a social challenge if left unaddressed.
The campaign will be carried out through digital platforms, physical visits, and community engagements across the country.
