Poverty and gambling - Haiti

1) Social background: "multi-crisis" poverty and stress

It is estimated that more than 64% of Haiti's population lived on less than $3.65/day in 2024 - one of the highest poverty rates in the region.

Humanitarian instability intensified in 2025, with hundreds of thousands of children and their families displaced, and access to education and basic services disrupted. This exacerbates household stress and vulnerability to behavioral addictions.

2) "Street" gambling culture: why borlette is so popular

People's lottery borlette is part of urban and rural everyday life. Studies describe it as a cultural response to economic marginalization and "hope for a large amount that can change lives." For many, it is both "entertainment," "financial service" and a ritual with "dreams-numbers" (tchala).

3) How poverty amplifies gambling risks

With low incomes and high uncertainty, even micro-rates become regular, and the expectation of a "miracle" becomes a psychological coping mechanism.

Against the background of a shortage of mental health services and a high household load, compulsive play patterns are formed that hit the family budget (loans from neighbors, "replacing" food/school payments with rates).

Scientific reviews across America show that gambling is associated with depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and concomitant substance abuse; vulnerable groups suffer more.

4) Online segment: "gray zone" without local protection

There is no separate law on online casinos in Haiti: this leaves a vacuum where offshore sites "drag" without local guarantees of consumer protection. At the same time, the LEH regulator digitalizes offline lotteries: from October 1, 2025, only LEH POS terminals are allowed, with a grace period until January 1, 2026. But this measure is about the cash transparency of retail, and not about the legalization of online.

5) What is "gaming disorder" and how to recognize it

1. loss of control of the game;

2. prioritizing play over other interests and responsibilities;

3. continuation of the game, despite the negative consequences (debts, conflicts, loss of work/study).

The diagnosis is made by specialists, but these signs are a reason to seek help.

6) Who is particularly vulnerable

Households at/below the poverty line, single parents, IDP families.

Adolescents and young people (stress, disruption of the school process, online access without supervision).

People with anxiety/depression, PTSD, violence-related disorders.

7) Family and community implications

Financial: withdrawal of money from the "survival basket" (food, rent, transport), debts, loss of assets.

Psychosocial: conflicts, domestic violence, stigma, children dropping out of school.

Health: "self-medication" with alcohol/substances, increased depression and anxiety; increased risk of suicidal behavior.

8) What is already being done and what to rely on

LEH-POS: the transition of lottery points to authorized POS reduces gray retail and simplifies auditing (the basis for responsible retail practices).

Sectoral assistance to children and families: UNICEF and partners are increasing nutrition, water, protection and education programs - this reduces the "social deficit" pushing the risk game.

Health System (EARLY/WHO): Regional benchmarks on NCDs and mental health are available, but service coverage is limited - it is important to integrate screening for gambling risks into primary care.

9) Practical measures (what works in Haiti's conditions)

• Enshrine minimum standards for responsible retail play: age control, visible risk warnings, information about where to help.
• Include screening for gambling problems in primary care and social support algorithms (similar to alcohol/depression screening).
• Use LEH-POS data for targeted financial literacy programs in areas with the highest turnover.

• Place simple reminders on points: signs of dependence, advice on time/amount limits, contacts of local NGOs/clinics.
• Introduce voluntary limits and "timeouts," correct refunds, refusal of aggressive promotions in vulnerable areas.
• Train sellers to recognize vulnerable customers (minimum protocols for "supportive conversation" and referral to help).

• Hold financial literacy classes and discussions of "lottery myths"; working with IDP adolescents.
• Support family clubs and safe leisure alternatives (sports, clubs, volunteering).

• Keep a day/week budget, allocate "money for the game" in advance (if the person is not yet ready to refuse) and not exceed the limit.
• Follow the "red flags": secret spending, the growth of debts, "Dogon" after losing, conflicts over money.
• For signs of addiction, seek help from PHC doctors, psychologists, community NGOs; in case of a threat to yourself/children - contact the protection services (through local authorities/UNICEF partners in your area).

10) What will happen to risks in 2025-2027

As long as poverty and instability persist, social pressure on families remains high, and therefore vulnerability to gambling harm. Strengthening LEH-POS, expanding basic care programs and embedding screening in the primary is the most realistic three steps that can reduce damage even without immediate online reform.

Bottom line: In Haiti, poverty, forced family mobility and the cultural accessibility of borlette create ideal conditions for gambling addiction and financial harm. Scientific and medical sources confirm the serious mental and social consequences of gambling, especially for vulnerable groups. A realistic strategy for the coming years is a combination of social support (for children and families), responsible retail through LEH-POS and the integration of assistance for gambling problems in primary health care. This will not "fix" poverty, but will reduce the price paid for excitement by the most defenseless.