The House of Representatives has taken a decisive step to curb sports betting across Nigeria, urging the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) to adhere to the provisions of the Lottery Regulatory Commission Act of 2005.
Rep Kelechi Nwogu (PDP-Rivers) introduced the motion during Thursday’s plenary session in Abuja, and was endorsed by the house majority.
Rep. Nwogu highlighted the adverse impact of sports betting regulations, linking them to an increase in mental health challenges such as addiction, depression, and anxiety.
In addition, Mr. Nwogu said, it had resulted in stress or strained relationships because of people lying or stealing from friends and family, as well as financial troubles, legal troubles, and job loss because of excessive debt or loss.
“Betting has given rise to increased crime rate and eventual suicide,” he said.
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He often stressed the necessity of efforts to stop the detrimental societal effects of lotteries and underage participation.
The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation was encouraged by the parliament, which adopted the resolution, to launch a comprehensive national campaign aimed at increasing public awareness of the detrimental effects of underage sports betting.
The lawmakers also ordered a public hearing on the harmful impacts of sports betting in Nigeria by the Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs.
Within four weeks, it asked the committee to report back to it for more legislative action.
According to data from the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), more than 65 million Nigerians play regularly, with an average daily expenditure of $15.
“Nigerians spend an estimated $975 million daily on online sports betting, about $356 billion annually,” said NLTF
