The House of Representatives has initiated actions to curtail the negative effects of sports betting, particularly among the youth. The lawmakers have also called on the Federal Government to create awareness campaigns that will expose young Nigerians to the dangers of sports betting.
The decision was made after a motion was presented on Thursday by Nwogu Kelechi, the representative of Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency, Rivers State. The motion, which was titled “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”, was debated during a session presided over by Speaker Tajudden Abbas.
During the debate, Kelechi highlighted that sports betting has become a global phenomenon and is growing rapidly in Nigeria, with the emergence of various 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. He also claimed that approximately 60 million Nigerians aged 18-40 are involved in sports betting.
Kelechi further noted that the National Lottery Act, 2005, established both the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the National Lottery Trust Fund, to ensure fair operations and protection of all players, stakeholders, and the general public. The regulations stipulate that a licensee, appointed agents, franchisees, or operators must adhere strictly to government policies on social responsibility in designing, advertising, and marketing.
The House expressed concerns about the weak regulations of sports betting which have led to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or addiction, strained or broken relationships, financial problems, legal issues, job loss, increased crime rates, and even suicide. The House noted that most players prefer betting through their mobile phones to avoid control and regulations.
Kelechi argued that if sports betting is properly regulated and supervised, it will generate tax revenue for the government and contribute to economic growth. With the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to conduct nationwide campaigns to raise public awareness about the negative impact of youth participation in sports betting. It also 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.