Legislators And Experts Push For Regulation To Combat Sports Betting Addiction

The House of Representatives, along with various stakeholders, emphasized the urgent need for regulating sports betting to mitigate its detrimental effects on Nigerians, particularly the younger demographic. This call was made during a public hearing addressing the motion 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,” which was organized by the House Committee on Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen commenced the public hearing by asserting the responsibility of the House to intervene as countless Nigerians, especially the youth, are ensnared in the perilous allure of gambling, resulting in dire consequences. House Leader Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, representing the Speaker, underscored the escalating prevalence of risky gambling behaviors, wherein individuals gamble significant assets in pursuit of lucrative outcomes.

He articulated the multifaceted repercussions of this escalating trend, ranging from psychological distress and financial depletion to workplace disarray and familial discord, which collectively jeopardize societal well-being and Nigeria’s socioeconomic progress.

Sandra Agbor, the head of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Abuja, urged prompt action to regulate sports betting nationwide. She advocated for expedited review and amendment of the Nigerian Lottery Regulatory Commission Act, 2005, to address the inherent risks associated with sports betting. Agbor proposed comprehensive measures including counseling and treatment for addicts, establishment of medical facilities in public health centers, and mandatory funding of treatment centers by betting companies.

She stressed the imperative of integrating these strategies into a comprehensive response framework aimed at safeguarding minors, preventing fraud, and tackling addiction effectively. Agbor further recommended the issuance of an Executive Order by the President to highlight the hazards of sports betting in Nigeria and ensure timely implementation of crucial interventions.

In conclusion, she emphasized the importance of raising public awareness, particularly among the youth, regarding the perils and adverse impacts of sports betting on individuals and society at large.

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