Gambia lawmaker raises alarm over street gambling in Serrekunda markets
A 2023 report from the area noted the presence of betting agents who target market women and young people.
The Gambia.- Halifa Sallah, a member of The Gambian parliament, has raised concerns over the continued spread of street-based gambling activities in Serrekunda, warning that operators are increasingly targeting women in busy market areas using tents and makeshift canopies.
Speaking during the National Assembly’s adjournment debate in Banjul on April 1, Sallah said gambling operators have adapted their methods to operate in plain sight, setting up equipment near markets and encouraging shoppers to take part in games marketed as quick-money opportunities.
He told lawmakers that the practice has become more visible in commercial areas, where women carrying out daily trading activities are often approached and persuaded to participate. According to him, the tactics used by operators highlight gaps in the country’s existing Betting and Gaming Act, which he said does not adequately reflect current gambling trends.
Sallah criticised what he described as outdated provisions in the law, arguing that emerging forms of gambling and informal street setups are not properly captured under existing regulations. He added that operators often claim to be operating under permits issued by local authorities, including police or municipal councils, making enforcement more complicated.
Sallah stated: “You will see some people with their canopies or tents topped with equipment trying to lure women going to the market to come and play those games,” urging a review of the legal framework to address such activities more effectively.
The Serrekunda lawmaker warned that the growing presence of street gambling is contributing to social and economic pressures on households, particularly among low-income earners who are drawn into betting with hopes of quick financial gains. He called for stronger national-level legislation that would clarify the limits of local permits and close regulatory loopholes.
Street gambling has remained a visible feature in parts of Serrekunda for years, often operating close to market centres where foot traffic is high. A 2023 report from the area noted the presence of betting agents who target market women and young people, encouraging them to stake small daily earnings in pursuit of larger returns.
While national law prohibits most gambling activities for Gambians, including fines of D1,000 (€11.70) for players and D2,000 (€23.40) for operators, enforcement has remained inconsistent. Local councils continue to issue temporary permits that allow such setups to operate in certain areas, creating regulatory overlap.
The government introduced a 50 per cent tax on gambling winnings in January 2026 as part of broader revenue measures, but concerns remain that fiscal policy alone does not address the social impact of street-level betting.
Sallah said urgent legislative reform is needed to modernise the Betting and Gaming Act and ensure it reflects current realities, warning that without clearer enforcement powers, informal gambling activities will continue to expand in urban communities like Serrekunda.
