There were reports on Thursday that the Nigerian House of Representatives had resolved to ban sports betting in the country. This generated mixed reactions amongst Nigerians who largely assessed the move as a misplaced priority.
However, the lawmaker of the lower legislative chamber who reportedly moved the motion to ban sports betting, Kelechi Nwogu from Rivers State has taken to X (Twitter) to deny the reports and clarify his position.
According to a statement that he claims was to “address recent misconceptions”, he said contrary to media reports, the motion does not aim to ban sports betting. Rather, its purpose is to protect players’ rights and ensure compliance with existing regulations.
“I am committed to fostering responsible gambling and creating a fair and transparent industry. Let’s rely on accurate information and work together for the betterment of Nigeria. Regulate Sports Betting.” – Kelechi Nwogu added.
The sports betting regulation resolution was passed after other members adopted the motion by Nwogu in the House. While moving the motion, Nwogu said sports betting is “expanding like wildfire globally”, including in Nigeria.
Adding that “weak” 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, and job loss due to excessive loss or debt, increased crime rates and eventually committing suicide”.
According to him, most players prefer betting through their mobile phones instead of visiting retail outlets in order to evade control and regulations. Additionally, if sports betting is “properly regulated and supervised”, it will generate tax revenue for the government and contribute to economic growth.
Many stories have been told about how betting has emerged as a lucrative avenue for individuals to generate income in Nigeria. Technext once reported how about 60 million Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 40 years spend up to N1.8 billion on sports betting daily with an average investment of N3,000 per day.
According to a particular Kunle, a herb drink seller from Bariga who spoke to Technext in 2023, his extensive involvement in the craft started in 2017. Thanks to his many wins, he managed to establish his herb drink business, although he also experienced substantial losses along the way.
“This life na trial and error, na the grace of God dey help person, na just to get hope say one day your turn go reach.” -Kunle told Technext.
Related post: Top 4 betting platforms in Nigeria according to punters on the streets
However, calls for more regulation and sensitisation on the ‘downsides’ of sports betting from different quarters have heightened recently. This lawmakers resolution is clearly geared towards that purpose.
More on the sports betting regulation move
While harping on campaigns to prevent the negative social impact of lottery and underage participation, Nwogu said betting has given rise to an increased crime rate and eventual suicide.
While adopting the motion when it was put to a vote by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, 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.
Read also: There is a glaring need for regulation in Africa’s online betting industry
Subsequently, the House invited the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to brief the lawmakers on the “efforts to safeguard the right of sports betting players
Additionally, the House mandated the Committee on Inter–Governmental Affairs to conduct a public hearing on the dangerous effects of sports betting in Nigeria and urged for a report within four weeks for further legislative action.
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