A Harare pilot was rushed to hospital on Tuesday evening after collapsing at a betting lounge in the city centre, following a devastating loss of US$724 on the viral online gambling game Aviator — popularly known in Zimbabwe as Chindege.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described a tense and emotional moment as the man, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, fell to the ground moments after losing his bet. He had reportedly been fixated on the game for several hours, wagering increasingly larger amounts in hopes of a big win.
According to one fellow gambler, Harare pilot had grown visibly anxious as the game progressed. “He was sweating and whispering to himself. Then, just before it happened, he placed a huge bet — around US$700 — and watched the plane rise,” the witness recounted. “But before he could cash out, the plane crashed. He screamed ‘No!’ and just collapsed. Everyone froze. We thought he was having a seizure.”
Betting staff and other patrons rushed to his aid, and emergency services were quickly called. An ambulance arrived within minutes and transported the man to the nearest hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention. Hospital staff later confirmed that his condition was stable, although he was still under observation for shock and stress-related symptoms.
The incident has reignited debate around Aviator, the fast-rising online betting sensation that has captivated Zimbabweans across all age groups. Marketed as a skill-and-timing game, Aviator features a digital airplane that climbs continuously. The higher it climbs, the more a player’s potential winnings grow — but the risk is that the plane can crash at any moment. If a player fails to cash out before the crash, they lose everything.
Nicknamed Chindege (meaning “airplane” in Shona), the game has become a staple at many betting shops and online platforms in Zimbabwe. Its simplicity and rapid gameplay appeal to both casual and serious gamblers, but the losses can be swift and brutal.
Mental health professionals and gambling watchdogs have raised alarm bells over the game’s addictive nature. Dr. Tendai Moyo, a Harare-based psychologist, says she has seen a sharp increase in cases of gambling-related stress and anxiety.
Harare Pilot Collapses After Losing US$724 on Popular Online Betting Game ‘Chindege’
“The psychological impact of these high-stakes games is being underestimated,” she warned. “We’re seeing people who spend entire salaries or savings in one sitting, and when they lose, the trauma is immediate. For some, like this pilot, the shock can be physically overwhelming.”
Aviator is especially popular among young adults and working professionals looking for quick cash in a struggling economy. The promise of instant returns has lured thousands, but it has also led to a rise in cases of financial ruin, depression, and even suicidal ideation following significant losses.
Though Zimbabwe has gambling regulations under the Lotteries and Gaming Act, the proliferation of online platforms — many of them operating without strict oversight — has made enforcement difficult. Most of these platforms run round-the-clock and aggressively target users through social media and SMS advertisements.
“The online betting industry is booming faster than our laws can catch up,” said Mr. Arnold Chimuka, an independent researcher on gambling trends in southern Africa. “Many of these games are designed to be highly addictive. What’s worrying is the lack of safeguards for vulnerable players.”
Some betting companies have added warning messages and self-exclusion options on their platforms, but critics argue these measures are not enough. Calls for tighter regulation, particularly on online games like Aviator, are growing louder.
Meanwhile, the Harare pilot’s collapse has sparked conversations about the broader societal implications of gambling. A close friend of the victim, speaking on condition of anonymity, described him as a responsible professional who had recently been facing financial pressure.
“He was a good guy, a qualified pilot, but the job market has been tough,” the friend said. “He was trying to make something on the side, and I guess he got too deep into this Chindege game. It’s heartbreaking.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the darker side of gambling — especially in a country where economic hardship has driven many to seek fast money through risky ventures. As Aviator continues to soar in popularity, so too do the stakes — not just financially, but in terms of health, wellbeing, and livelihoods.
Source- Bulawayo24
