House of Representatives Calls for Responsible Gambling Education in Nigeria
The House of Representatives in Nigeria has called on the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to adhere to the Lottery Regulatory Commission Act of 2005 by ensuring a safe gambling environment is maintained in Nigeria.
The decision was made after a motion by Kelechi Nwogu (PDP-Rivers) was adopted at a plenary session in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria previously stated that around 60 million Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 40 participate in sports betting. The lawmaker highlighted that the lack of effective regulation in sports betting has led to mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and addiction.
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Additionally, Nwogu added that Sports betting has led to increase in social vices. For example; broken relationships, stealing from friends and family, financial problems, legal issues,and job loss.
“Betting has given rise to increased crime rate and eventual suicide,” he said.
The House adopted the motion and called on the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to carry out a comprehensive nationwide campaign. This to educate the public about the harmful consequences of young people participating in sports betting.
Moreover, the House instructed the Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs to organize a public hearing on the negative impacts of sports betting in Nigeria. The committee was given a deadline of four weeks to submit a report for further legislative action.
According to data from the National Lottery Trust Fund, more than 65 million Nigerians actively partake in betting. Averaging daily spending of $15. The report indicated that Nigerians collectively spend an estimated $975 million daily on online sports betting, totaling around $356 billion annually.
Source: PunchNG
