Husband places wife on bet

My husband is a football enthusiast who enjoys making outrageous bets. I recently discovered that he has ‘bet me’ in an upcoming football match. If he loses, his friend (a wealthy businessman) will take me as his wife. These guys do not joke around bets they make. Does this mean I am legally obligated to participate in the bet? I wouldn’t mind being a wife to the affluent fellow while also keeping my husband, but I do not think the law permits this. Please guide me.
AS, Coast Region

You are in a very interesting position- on one hand you are not party to the bet, but on the other you don’t mind participating partially in it! Betting your spouse in a game of football is certainly not something to be taken lightly! Now, picture this: your husband loses. He will have to follow through with his bet, placing you in an awkward position. The good news is you have no obligation to comply with the bet since such an agreement is void. Section 30 of the Law of Contract Act, Cap. 345 [R.E 2019], states that an agreement made by way of wager (bet) is void, and no suit shall be brought for recovering anything alleged to be won on any wager or entrusted to any person to abide by the result of any game or other uncertain event on which any wager is made. Moreover, since the bet involves a person, it is null and void.

In case you were a party to the bet or agreed to it, Tanzanian law is clear on this matter, in that according to the Law of Marriage Act, Cap. 29 [R.E 2019], women are not permitted to have more than one husband, so you cannot be a wife to two different men. Furthermore, it could potentially lead to criminal charges for polyandry so be careful in case you are getting second thoughts.

Apart from the legal consequences, there are also domestic repercussions. Marriage is a respected institution in our society. Therefore, even as a joke, your husband would likely face significant backlash at home if your side of the family does not find the humour in the situation. It is important to remember that jokes can have serious legal and social consequences. It is always best to limit football bets to fun stakes, like a round of drinks or a friendly promise. So, remind your husband to keep his bets within the realm of socially acceptable fun and the bounds of the law. If you have any further questions on this matter, consult your lawyer. Finally, considering the way your husband is thinking, he might need to meet a counsellor. We wish you both well.