Victor Wanyama on How Sports Betting Is Shaping Football in East Africa
The conversation around sports betting in East Africa has grown louder in recent years, as betting companies become major players in football through sponsorships and partnerships. For some, it’s a controversial development. For others, it represents a much-needed boost for local football.
One of the region’s most celebrated footballers, Victor Wanyama, sees the trend as largely positive. Speaking to iGaming AFRIKA, during the recent iGF East Africa event in Nairobi, Kenya, the footballer highlighted how betting companies have transformed the financial stability of clubs. “The rising sports betting in East Africa has helped the game by sponsoring the leagues and also sponsoring the clubs. By them doing so, they helped with the finances in the clubs and also players get paid well. So that’s a good thing.”
Victor also pointed to the opportunities that betting sponsorships have had on young and upcoming players. He believes the investment is improving league standards and creating a stronger foundation for grassroots football. “The young players you see in the league are getting supported very well by these companies,” he noted. According to him, this kind of support not only raises the quality of competitions but also gives younger athletes real hope of making a sustainable living from the sport.
“As a young player you want to be part of it and you want to work hard so that you can also come and live and earn better and make money that can sustain you. It’s a good thing as a young player.”
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While he recognized the benefits, Victor was also quick to acknowledge that betting can have negative consequences if not approached responsibly and cautioned against the tendency for some fans viewing it as a guaranteed source of income. “It’s like gambling, you don’t have to expect something in return every time. When you lose, you should still be able to enjoy the game. ”
Football, according to Victor, is mental. He believes success depends heavily on mindset and how players handle pressure, overcome setbacks, and stay disciplined. He emphasized that while talent and fitness are important, it is mental resilience that keeps players focused, allows them to enjoy the game regardless of outcomes, and ultimately sustains long-term success.
When asked what he would change about the relationship between betting and football, Wanyama stressed the need for direct investment at club level. “I think the only thing I can say is that betting should also support teams at the club level. So, let’s have a lot of betting support in the club. That way, you know, it will help the players to perform and not think so much about other stuff,” he explained.
