The Director-General, Oyo State Gaming Board, Olajide Gboladuro, has warned gamblers against addiction to gambling.

“You shouldn’t be addicted to it; don’t do it in such a way that it will create an addiction. We will continue to let members of the public know that gambling should be done responsibly,’’ he stressed.

Mr Gboladuro said at a news conference that parents should also refrain from using their children’s school fees to gamble or stake bets.

The board has been sensitising the public on gambling, noting that it is legal. 

“That is the reason the board comes in as a regulator. If gambling is not legal, it will not be in the public domain,’’ he said.

He stressed that gaming or betting should not be a means of livelihood but regarded as leisure.

On the menace of underage betting and gambling, Mr Gboladuro explained that the board had been carrying out surveillance and due diligence on underage persons found in betting shops and kiosks.

“Erring betting agents and operators of such shops and kiosks face the consequence of sanction such as seizing their licence. All gaming and gambling operators in the state are aware of the law; they signed terms and conditions document that underage people would not be allowed in their betting outlets,’’ he said.

Mr Gboladuro also warned companies involved in promotional lotteries. He said the companies had earlier been warned, but they had been intransigent.

“We are warning them again that there will be strict enforcement soon,’’ he said.

Fifty-eight registered gaming companies operate in Oyo.

The board regulates operations, registration and issuance of licences, permits, monitor, inspect and protect the interests of all stakeholders in the gaming industry. 

(NAN)