The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to launch enlightenment campaigns highlighting the adverse effects of sports betting, particularly among young Nigerians.
During Thursday’s plenary session, Nwogu Kelechi, representing Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency, Rivers State, presented 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.’
The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, chaired the session during which Kelechi stated that approximately 60 million Nigerians aged 18-40 are engaged in sports betting.
However, the lawmaker did not cite the source of the statistics.
According to the lawmaker, sports betting is expanding like wildfire globally including Nigeria which has growing 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, and Apollo Bet among others.
He pointed out that the National Lottery Act, 2005, mandates fair operation and protection of players, stakeholders, and the public.
However, the law maker lamented that weak regulations have led to mental health issues, strained relationships, financial problems, suicide and increased crime rates.
Kelechi further argued that sports betting is capable of generating tax revenue for the government and contributing to economic growth if properly regulated and supervised.
The House adopted the motion, urging the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation Agency (NOA) to conduct comprehensive nationwide campaigns to raise public awareness about the negative impact of youth participation in sports betting.
Also, the House mandated its Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs to conduct a public hearing on the effects and benefits of sports betting in Nigeria and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
