Nigerian lawmaker denies motion to ban sport betting in the country

February 17, 2024 Joshua Samuel

On Thursday, rumors were circulating that the House of Representatives in Nigeria had decided to ban sports betting within the nation. Nigerians responded to this in a variety of ways, with the majority viewing the action as an inappropriate priority.

However, Rivers State lawmaker Kelechi Nwogu, who purportedly introduced the motion to ban sports betting, has turned to X (Twitter) to refute the accusations and make clear where he stands.

Contrary to what the media has reported, the proposal does not seek to outlaw sports betting, he stated in a statement that purports to “address recent misconceptions.” Instead, it serves to safeguard players’ rights and guarantee adherence to current laws.

“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. A source 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.

However, there have been increasing calls recently from many sources for better regulation and raising awareness of the “downsides” of sports betting. This legislator’s resolution is intended to achieve that goal.

More information on the regulation of sports betting in Nigeria

Nwogu, who has been vocal about attempts to stop the lottery’s detrimental social effects and juvenile involvement, claimed that betting has led to an increase in crime and eventual death.

When the motion was put to a vote by Tajudeen Abass, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the House adopted it and urged the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to launch a comprehensive national campaign to educate the public about the detrimental effects of youth sports betting engagement.

The National Lottery Regulatory Commission was then invited by the House to brief the MPs on the “efforts to safeguard the right of sports betting players.”

In addition, the House requested a report from the Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs detailing the harmful impacts of sports betting in Nigeria in four weeks in order to go forward with additional legislative measures.

Author

Joshua Samuel

A conscientious writer with a knack and passion for story telling which spans across different sectors and segments. I love telling stories in writing and bringing quality, authentic and timely information to everyone everywhere.

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