Across West Africa, a new hustle is taking hold not in farms or factories, but on mobile phones. From street corners in Banjul to campus hostels, young people are betting small amounts daily on sports, chasing quick wins.

What started as harmless fun is now raising social and public-health concerns. With youth unemployment high and digital access widespread, betting is becoming both a survival strategy and a source of vulnerability.

Experts warn that weak regulations make it hard to manage these fast-growing platforms, raising risks of addiction, financial loss, and inequality.

Our Banjul correspondent, Sang Donal Mendy, explores whether betting is just a coping mechanism or a growing crisis for West Africa’s youth.