Aviator: How Kenyan Youths Are Losing Money In New Betting Game

• Aviator, a gaming and betting platform has sparked frustrations amid loss of money among Kenyan youths and the allure for potential quick gains
• The game has been described as highly addictive with many struggling to stop betting despite severe impact on finances and mental health
• Social media comments emphasised the deceptive allure of Aviator, describing it as addictive and capable of significant financial losses

Elijah Ntongai, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, leverages more than three years of expertise in financial, business, and technology research, providing profound insights into both Kenyan and global economic trends.

Aviator is a new internet gaming platform that allows players to place bets on a virtual flight and many Kenyan youths have recently expressed frustrations for losing money in the game.

The betting game has been described by players who talked to TUKO.co.ke as highly addictive, having a severe impact on finances and mental health.

What is aviator?

Players bet on the outcome of a virtual plane flight by placing one or two wagers before takeoff on their screens.

As the plane advances, a displayed multiplier reflects potential winnings that increase the longer the plane stays airborne, requiring players to cash out before it disappears to collect their winnings.

Losing money and addictions

TUKO.co.ke observed that the betting game was popular among male youths in institutions of higher learning and after speaking to several of them, many remarked that they had lost money, with many having lost their upkeep money meant for food, rent, and some their school fees.

"I now live with this guy because I lost my rent on Aviator and I could not tell my parents that," said Mwangi, a student at Zetech University.

"I remember like two weeks ago, I had convinced my parents to send me KSh 5k, but by morning, I had less than a thousand," said Kioko, also a student at Zetech University.

"I know some may have made some money there, but am telling you that is a zero sum game. I had around four thousand to use for upkeep for the rest of the month, and after I was introduced to this game, I lost it all in three days," said Kai, a student at Thika Technical Training Institute.

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, several students in various institutions around Nairobi and Kiambu Counties said that they feel addicted to the game and are looking for ways to quit, but have found it difficult.

"I knew betting is addictive, but I just wanted to try, now I feel that am hooked. My friends and I are always playing it whenever we get money. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose, and it's the losing that is bad," said Jeremy, a student at Mt. Kenya University.

"I have a friend who had to move into my house because he lost all his rent money on Aviator," added Jeremy.

"I believe I have lost about KSh 40k in the month of November and I have won about KSh 25k. It's hard to realise you are losing unless you regularly account for your finances. I have a small business and I realised my working capital had reduced and I decided to count how much I had gained and lost from aviator," said Job, a student from Kenyatta University and business man at Ruiru.

"The truth is very few people who are extremely lucky get to be rich from betting. Otherwise, you can't beat the house," added Job.

How Kenyans on social media reacted

Kenyans on social media also expressed sentiments similar to those expressed by those interviewed by TUKO.co.ke, highlighting the frustrations that come with loss of money in betting.

"You get into aviator because you are broke, but you come out even more broke," said @Certified_liar.

"Aviator is vey addictive and you can make KSh 10k from just KSh 100 but still you leave the game with nothing," said @I_amShiti

"Aviator is a big joke, when you decide not to play, it goes up to 20 and when you play it flies very early," said @Degrata254

Man Who Won KSh 76m From Aviator Game After Phone Hung

In other related news, Fuseini took home a whopping KSh 76 million from the betPawa's Aviator betting game a technical glitch as the smartphone hung while he was in the middle of the game, keeping him airborne for a long time.

To crown his win, betPawa treated Fuseini to a once-in-a-lifetime experience by flying the football fan and his family and friends to a football match in a private jet.

“I cannot believe what is happening because I never imagined ever being on an aeroplane. Today, I have been flown on a very luxurious plane fit for a millionaire,” he told TUKO.co.ke.