The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) has been urged to abide with the Lottery Regulatory Commission Act, 2005, by the House of Representatives, which has decided to outlaw sports betting nationwide.
At Thursday’s plenary in Abuja, Rep. Kelechi Nwogu (PDP-Rivers) adopted a motion, which was followed by the resolution.
It was previously reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that 60 million Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 40 bet on sports.
He claims that inadequate or disregarded sports betting laws have contributed to the increase of mental health issues like addiction, depression, and anxiety.
Nwogu said, saying it has also resulted in stress or strained relationships because of people lying or stealing from friends and family, as well as financial difficulties, legal troubles, and job loss because of excessive debt or loss.
“Betting has given rise to increased crime rate and eventual suicide,” he said.
He often emphasized the necessity of initiatives to stop the detrimental societal effects of lotteries and underage participation.
After passing the motion, the House recommended that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation launch a broad, national campaign to educate people about the dangers of underage sports betting.
The Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs was also directed by the House to hold a Public Hearing on the hazardous consequences of sports betting in Nigeria.