“I can be starving and ask someone for food. I'll get to the vendor and think, "Chale, I’ve lost too much. What is food?” These haunting words from a young man during an interview with Nana Aba Anamoah perfectly capture the cruel grip of Aviator betting addiction. What starts as harmless fun quickly spirals into despair.

Now, if you’ve spent any time around betting enthusiasts in Ghana, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “2 cedis and a dream.” It’s funny until you realize how many people are banking their futures on the hope of doubling or tripling those 2 cedis. Aviator takes that dream and turns it into an adrenaline-fueled chase. The game is simple. A virtual plane takes off, and you bet on how high it’ll climb before crashing. The catch? You have to cash out before the crash. It’s fast, unpredictable, and marketed as an easy way to “win big.” But let’s face it: chasing that plane often leads to more losses than wins.

For many, Aviator isn’t just a game; it’s a desperate grasp for quick money. One player broke it down like this: “You lose, so you borrow. Then you lose what you borrowed. Before you know it, you’re in a hole so deep, you can’t see a way out.” And that hole isn’t just financial, it’s emotional. People stake away their rent, tuition fees, and even money borrowed from loan sharks. The effect it has on mental health is tremendous as gamblers ignore their responsibilities, relationships, and even basic needs.

The consequences of Aviator addiction aren’t just about empty wallets. For some, the losses are too much to bear. One young man lost his tuition fees betting on Aviator and couldn’t bring himself to face his family. He couldn't bring himself to face his family and tragically committed suicide. Stories like his are heart-wrenchingly common, with countless others suffering in silence. Families lose loved ones not just to debt but to the despair that comes with it.

The funny thing is the players are not the ones winning. Betting companies rake in millions while spinning games like Aviator as harmless fun. But it’s anything but harmless. With quick rounds, flashy graphics, and a false sense of control, Aviator exploits the vulnerabilities of its players. And while players spiral, these companies thrive in a world of outdated or poorly enforced regulations. The odds? Always, always in their favor.

For anyone caught in the Aviator web, remember: you’re worth more than your losses. Your life, your peace of mind, and your relationships are too valuable to gamble away.

Yes, it may start with 2 cedis and a dream, but the dream shouldn’t turn into a nightmare. The plane might crash, but you don’t have to fall with it. Reach out, seek help, and take back control. No game, no matter how tempting is worth losing yourself.