With $975 million spent daily gambling, Reps move to stop sports betting
The House of Representatives has resolved to stop sports betting in the country and urged the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) to comply with the Lottery Regulatory Commission Act of 2005.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Kelechi Nwogu (PDP-Rivers) at plenary in Abuja on Thursday.
According to him, weak or neglected regulations of sports betting have given rise to mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety and addiction.
Mr Nwogu added that it had also led to strain 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.
“Betting has given rise to increased crime rate and eventual suicide,” he said.
He harped on the need for campaigns to prevent the negative social impact of lottery and underage participation.
Adopting the motion, the parliament 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.
The legislators also mandated the Committee on Inter–Governmental Affairs to conduct a public hearing on the dangerous effects of sports betting in Nigeria.
It urged the committee to report to it for further legislative action within four weeks.
Data from the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) revealed that over 65 million Nigerians actively engage in betting, spending an average of $15 daily.
According to NLTF, Nigerians spend an estimated $975 million daily on online sports betting, about $356 billion annually.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Police arrest 10 suspects, recover AK-47 rifles
Police arrested 10 suspects and recovered ammunition in nationwide operations.
States
1,500 persons still missing in Yobe: ICRC
Mr Hassan said the figure was part of the 17,000 missing persons across the country, half of whom were children at the time of their disappearance.
Anti-Corruption
Court extends detention of celebrity drug kingpin KC Luxury, freezes bank accounts
The court adjourned the case until September 17.
Heading 3
FG Cash Transfers: Tinubu pauperised Nigerians, now celebrating poverty management, says Atiku
Mr Abubakar challenged the Tinubu administration to explain its claim that more than ₦600 billion has been disbursed to “slightly over 10 million households”.
States
Oriire Abduction: TESCOM officials visit rescued victims, pledge continuous government support
Olubukola Oladipo, chairman of TESCOM said the state government would not relent in its efforts to ensure that the victims return fully to normal activities.
NationWide
NEC approves reconstituted national social protection council
The National Economic Council (NEC), approved the reconstituted National Social Protection Council to be chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
