The House of Representatives in a bid to ban Sports betting in Nigeria has urged the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), to abide by the Lottery Regulatory Commission Act of 2005.
This resolution stems from a motion presented by Rep. Kelechi Nwogu (PDP-Rivers), during a plenary session in Abuja on Thursday.
Nwogu stated the detrimental consequences associated with unchecked sports betting, including mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and addiction. He further pointed out the strain on relationships, financial instability, and increased crime rates linked to excessive gambling.
According to statistics from the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), approximately 60 million Nigerians aged between 18 and 40 actively participate in sports betting. Shockingly, it is estimated that Nigerians spend a staggering $975 million daily on online sports betting, totaling around $356 billion annually.
Recognizing the urgency of addressing this societal concern, the House urged the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) to enforce the Lottery Regulatory Commission Act of 2005. Additionally, they called upon the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to conduct a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the negative impacts of youth involvement in sports betting.
Furthermore, the House mandated the Committee on Inter-governmental Affairs to conduct a public hearing on the dangers of sports betting in Nigeria. The committee has been tasked with presenting their findings within four weeks for further legislative action.
