The House of Representatives has taken steps to curtail the dangerous effects of sports betting and directed the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to comply with the Lottery Act, 2005.
The House urged the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to conduct a comprehensive nationwide campaign to raise public awareness about the negative impact of youth participation in sports betting.
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This was a sequel to the adoption of a motion move by Hon. Kelechi Nwogu (PDP, Rivers) at plenary, who said Nigeria has growing betting outfits such as Naira Bet, Bet 9ja, Sure Bet, Winners Golden Bet, Max Bet, MerryBet, 1960 Bet, Bet Colony, Stakers Den, Bet 360, Bet 365, and Apollo Bet, among others.
The lawmaker quoted the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that approximately 60 million Nigerians aged 18 to 40 are engaged in sports betting.
He said the National Lottery Act, 2005, provides for the establishment of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the National Lottery Trust Fund to ensure fair operation and protection of players, stakeholders, and the public.
Nwogu said 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 expressed worry 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; job loss due to excessive loss or debt, increased crime rates; and eventually committing suicide.
“Disturbed that most players prefer betting through their mobile phones instead of visiting retail outlets in order to evade control and regulations.
“Cognizant that if sport betting is properly regulated and supervised, it will generate tax revenue for the government and contribute to economic growth.
“Further aware of the need to carry campaigns to prevent the negative social impact of lottery and prohibit underage participation,” the lawmaker argued further.
The House mandated the 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 when it adopted the motion.