Lawmakers Reveal Plans to Stop Sports Betting in Nigeria

The House of Representatives has decided to end sports betting in the country and called on the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) to enforce the Lottery Regulatory Commission Act of 2005.

The decision came after Rep. Kelechi Nwogu introduced a motion during a session in Abuja on Thursday.

Earlier reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) indicated that about 60 million Nigerians aged between 18 and 40 are involved in sports betting.

Nwogu highlighted the adverse effects of lax regulation in sports betting, including mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and addiction.

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He also pointed out the strain on relationships, financial problems, legal troubles, and job loss caused by excessive gambling. “Betting contributes to rising crime rates and, tragically, suicide,” he emphasized, underscoring the necessity of campaigns to mitigate the negative social impact of lotteries and prevent underage participation.