The House of Representatives has taken steps to address the problem of sports betting, particularly among young people.
The lawmakers called on the Federal Government to raise awareness about the harmful effects of sports betting among Nigerian youths.
This decision was made following a motion presented by Nwogu Kelechi, the representative for Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency in Rivers State, with the title “Need to curtail the dangerous effects of sports betting and direct the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to comply with the Lottery Regulatory Commission Act, 2005”.
During a session led by Speaker Tajudden Abbas, Kelechi took the lead in discussing the motion. Kelechi emphasized the impact of sports betting “is 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, Apollo Bet etc”.
According to the lawmaker, around 60 million Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 40 are involved in sports betting.
“The House is aware that the National Lottery Act, 2005, provides for the establishment of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the National Lottery Trust Fund and are intended to ensure fair operation and protection of players, stakeholders, and the public,” he said.
“The House is aware that 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.
“The House is worried that weak or neglected regulations of sports betting have dangerously led to mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, or 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.
“That most players prefer betting through their mobile phones instead of visiting retail outlets in order to evade control and regulations.”
He also stated that if sports betting is regulated and supervised effectively, it can generate tax revenue for the government and contribute to economic growth.
The House has adopted the motion and is urging the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to conduct nationwide campaigns to educate the public about the negative effects of youth involvement in sports betting.
Additionally, the Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs has been instructed to hold a public hearing on the harmful effects and advantages of sports betting in Nigeria. They are required to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
