House Moves to Stop Betting in Nigeria

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to conduct comprehensive nationwide campaigns to raise public awareness about the negative impact of youth participation in sports betting.

This resolution followed the adoption of a motion on the “Need to Curtail the Dangerous Effects of Sport Betting and Direct the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to comply with the Lottery Regulatory Commission Act, 2005,” which was moved by Hon. Kelechi Nwogu at plenary.

Nwogu noted that sports betting are expanding like wildfire globally, including Nigeria, which has growing betting outfits such as Naira Bet, Bet 9ja, Sure Bet, Winners Golden Bet, Max Bet, Merry Bet, 1960 Bet, Bet Colony, Stakers Den, Bet 360, Bet 365 and Apollo Bet etc.

He also noted that approximately 60 million Nigerians aged 18 to 40 are reportedly engaged in sports betting.

The lawmaker recalled that the National Lottery Act, 2005, provided for the establishment of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) and the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), which were intended to ensure fair operation and protection of players, stakeholders, and the public.

“Section 2 of the Regulations stipulates that a licensee, appointed agents, franchisees, or operators shall adhere strictly to government policies on social responsibility in designing, advertising, and marketing,” he said.

He further stressed that weak or neglected regulations of sports betting has dangerously led to mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, addiction, strained or broken relationships due to lying or stealing from friends and family, financial problems, legal issues, and job loss due to excessive loss or debt, increased crime rates and eventually committing suicide.

Nwogu expressed worry that most players prefer betting through their mobile phones instead of visiting retail outlets in order to evade control and regulations.

“Cognisant that if sport betting is properly regulated and supervised, it will generate tax revenue for the government and contribute to economic growth; the need to carry campaigns to prevent the negative social impact of lottery and prohibit underage participation.”

The House, however, mandated its Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs to conduct a public hearing on the dangerous effects and benefits of sports betting in Nigeria and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.