The Nigerian House of Representatives has unanimously passed a resolution to impose a ban on sports betting in the country.
The decision was prompted by a motion presented by Representative Kelechi Nwogu (PDP-Rivers) during the plenary session on Thursday.
Kelechi Nwogu pointed out the adverse effects of weak and neglected regulations in the sports betting industry, asserting that it has contributed to a surge in mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and addiction.
“Betting has given rise to increased crime rate and eventual suicide,” Kelechi Nwogu said.
He went on to highlight the consequences extending to strained or broken relationships, financial problems, legal issues, and job loss resulting from excessive gambling-related debt.
In response to the motion, the House called upon the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) to strictly comply with existing regulations and enforce the provisions of the Lottery Regulatory Commission Act of 2005.
Additionally, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation has been urged to conduct a comprehensive nationwide campaign to raise public awareness about the detrimental effects of youth involvement in sports betting.
The House also assigned the Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs the responsibility of organizing a Public Hearing on the dangerous effects of sports betting in Nigeria.
The committee has been given a four-week timeframe to conduct the hearing and report back to the House for further legislative action.