House Committee calls for regulation, not closure of sports betting in Nigeria

Canice Nwachukwu, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs in Nigeria, stated that the Committee is not going to call for the shutting down of sports betting but that it will ensure laid down rules are followed so that the activity "does not become harmful to society."

During a public hearing on the Need to Curtail the Dangerous Effects of Sports Betting, held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, Nwachukwu stressed the importance of establishing a central monitoring system for the sports betting industry in Nigeria, as reported by Voice of Nigeria.

Moreover, Nwachukwu called for the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to comply with the Lottery Regulatory Commission Act National Lottery Regulatory Commission.

Nwachukwu stated: “We are all Nigerians. We would not go against people doing their business. The have rights to exercise their franchise. But what we are saying is we have to play within the rules of the game. We have to arm the system to control and enforce all the provisions that would allow gaming and betting to flow smoothly without becoming a social menace.

“I am not going to be here to say we are going to shut gaming and betting and people operating in that sector. What we would do is to make sure there is a level playing ground whereby all the mechanisms that should be out in place to ensure it does not become inimical to the society.

“We have to play within the rules of engagement. That comes to the issue of a central monitoring system. It must be introduced. This is going to a reasonable extent help solve some of the problems we are having now. By the time we have the system in place some of these stories would become history. It is not going to be completely eradicated but to a reasonable extent it will solve some of these issues.”

The Deputy Director of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (KURU), Sandra Agbor, echoed similar sentiments, advocating for measures to address the negative impacts of sports betting while acknowledging its contribution to the economy.

Agbor emphasized the need for a "holistic" response to protect vulnerable populations, prevent fraud, and address addiction related to sports betting in Nigeria. She highlighted the significant economic contribution of the industry, with Nigerians investing approximately $2 billion annually into sports betting.

Similarly, the Director General of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Lanre Gbajabiamila, emphasized the importance of responsible gaming practices and regulatory compliance within the industry.

Representatives from the Association of Nigerian Bookmakers also underscored the positive contributions of the sports betting industry to the Nigerian economy. They emphasized their commitment to promoting responsible gaming practices and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks.

Adewale Akande, Head of Legal and Compliance and Stakeholders’ Engagement at KC Gaming Networks Ltd (Bet9ja), noted on the rapid expansion of the sports betting industry in Nigeria and its potential for further growth. He cautioned against making sports betting illegal, highlighting the potential negative impacts on government revenue and customers.