NIPSS, others canvass stringent regulation for sports betting

The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS) Kuru, has called for an Executive Order to regulate sports betting activities in Nigeria.

The Head of the institute in Abuja, Ms Sandra Agbor, made the call at a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs on Wednesday.

The hearing was on the need to curtail the dangerous effects of sports betting and the need for the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) to comply with the Lottery Regulatory Commission Act, 2005.

Agbor said that the Nigerian Lottery Regulatory Commission Act 2005 should be reviewed to address the dangers of sports betting.

She charged the National Assembly to expedite action on the review and passage of the Act on or before the fourth quarter of 2024.

“The negative effects should be factored into the design of a holistic response that will protect the underage, prevent fraud, and confront addiction in Nigeria.

“While awaiting the review and passage of the Act, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should issue an Executive Order on the dangers of sports betting in Nigeria.

“Betting addicts should be made to receive counselling and treatments.

“The NLRC in collaboration with the federal and state ministries of health should ensure the establishment of units in public hospitals and primary health centers for quick response to the medical needs of addicts by the fourth quarter of 2024.

“The NLRC should ensure that betting companies fund the units that provide free medical/mental treatments for betting addicts by first quarter of 2025.

“There should be an increased awareness campaign to educate the public, especially the youth, on the risks and negative effects of sports betting on individuals and the society,” she said.

In a presentation, the Association of Nigerian Bookmakers, the umbrella body for gaming operations, promised that the sports betting industry was committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability.

The Legal Officer of Nigerian Bookmakers, Ms Olafadeke Akeju said the association acknowledged the concerns on the potential dangers of gaming.

She said it was essential to recognise the proactive measures taken by the association and its members over the years to address these issues.

Akeju said that all stakeholders have a role to play in ensuring the gaming industry operated with integrity, transparency, accountability and responsibility to mitigate and address the risks associated with gaming.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Rep. Canice Nwachukwu (APC-Imo), said though Nigeria is a circular state, there is need to ensure that people went about their activities within the rules.

He said that there is a need to protect children from becoming nuisance as a result of their involvement in gaming and entertainment.

The chairman said that gaming would not be banned, but the system should be properly controlled.

“This committee will make sure we have a level playing ground, where all the mechanism that will make it run smoothly without becoming inimical to societal progress is in place.

“There are advantages and disadvantages of whatever one does; we have to play within the rules of engagement.

“There is a need to introduce a central monitoring system; this to a reasonable extent, will help address the issues,” he said.

The committee directed all gaming operators to furnish it with the details of winners and losers and the number attempts made by individuals.