In addition to pressing the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) to abide by the Lottery Regulatory Commission Act of 2005, the House of Representatives has decided to outlaw sports betting nationwide.

The resolution was adopted on Thursday, February 15, at the plenary session in Abuja, after a move by Representative Kelechi Nwogu (PDP-Rivers).

According to Nwogu, inadequate or disregarded laws governing sports betting have contributed to the development in mental health issues like addiction, despair, and anxiety.

In addition, he said, it had 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 harped on the need for campaigns to prevent the negative social impact of lottery and underage participation.

Adopting the motion, the House 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 House 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 back to it within four weeks for further legislative action.