Leading the debate on the motion titled ‘Need to curtail the dangerous effects of sports betting and direct the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to comply with the Lottery Regulatory Commission Act, 2005,’ in a session presided over by the Speaker Tajudden Abbas, Kelechi noted that “sports betting is expanding like wildfire globally, including Nigeria, which has growing betting outfits such as Naira Bet, Bet9ja, Sure Bet, Winners Golden Bet Max Bet, Merry Bet, 1960 Bet, Bet Colony, Stakers Den, Bet 360, Bet 365, Apollo Bet, etc,” noting that “approximately 60 million Nigerians aged 18 to 40 are engaged in sports betting.”

He further stated that the House is “aware that the National Lottery Act, 2005, provides for the establishment of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the National Lottery Trust Fund and is intended to ensure the fair operation and protection of players, stakeholders, and the public.

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“The House is aware that Section 2 of the regulations stipulates that a licensee, appointed agents, franchisees, or operators shall adhere strictly to government policies on social responsibility in designing, advertising, and marketing.

“The House is worried that weak or neglected regulations of sports betting have dangerously led to mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, or addiction; strained 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; increased crime rates; and eventually committing suicide,” stressing that “most players prefer betting through their mobile phones instead of visiting retail outlets in order to evade control and regulations.”

He also opined that if sports betting is properly regulated and supervised, “it will generate tax revenue for the government and contribute to economic growth.”

The House adopted the motion, urging the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to implement comprehensive nationwide campaigns to raise public awareness about the negative consequences of youth engagement in sports betting.

It also directed its Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs to hold a public hearing on the dangers and benefits of sports betting in Nigeria and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.