By Marylyn Yellow-Duke
The increase in legal gambling, powered by technology and social media, has transformed betting into a risky economic activity that offers potential income. In Nigeria, sports betting has gained popularity in all strata of life, especially among young people like university students and artisans. The easy online access has contributed to its prevalence. However, there is still a lack of awareness about the risks and impact of sports betting, particularly on academics.
Sports betting has been a part of Nigeria’s history for quite some time. Back in the days, you would see men with worn out eye glasses in pool betting kiosks in the market square and other available spaces ‘perming three from five’, often glued to their shortwave transistor radios waiting for results from BBC, with the advent of the internet, people can now place their bets discreetly, away from the judgmental eyes of traditionalists. Much as gamblers often face social exclusion because they are viewed as outsiders within the culture. The availability of electronic mobile devices has further facilitated private gambling. Unfortunately, this increased privacy can lead to more risk-taking and more gambling, creating a harmful cycle. Nowadays, you can spot betting kiosks on nearly every street corner. It’s quite a prevalent sight!
Amos Achiloko, a sports gambler, shared his perspective, saying, “Everyone’s eager to make money, and you don’t need to ask how they’re doing it. You never know who might have the lucky touch among those who haven’t started playing. It’s possible to win a massive amount of money that could completely change your life right from the start. You can’t really advise anyone against it because even if you do, they’ll still give it a shot. There are people out there who have a knack for predicting outcomes.”
It’s believed that a lot of Nigerians get into gambling because of the kick associated with risk taking, unemployment and extreme poverty, which also contribute to the rise in social problems and crime.
In response to this issue, a psychologist named Beatrice Sina-Olunana said, “People get involved in gambling because they expect to benefit from it. And even when they don’t, they still hold onto hope and continue investing in it, hoping that one day they’ll reap the rewards, regardless of their personality or financial situation. In Nigeria, sports and online betting are particularly popular among young people.”
A lot of Nigerians are facing challenges in improving their lives, so they’re ready to do whatever it takes to make a living. Even though there are rules about age restrictions, many young people still get involved in betting, and shop owners don’t always enforce the rules. They’re more focused on making money and tend to turn a blind eye.
But who do they really benefit? There are so many unanswered questions, you know? Gamblers go to any length, starving themselves, families, grounding businesses, borrowing, selling properties and committing crime to raise funds for betting. Gambling is similar to drug addiction. It is a compulsive disorder, a psychological issue. The person wants to satisfy their urge, regardless of the consequences; all they care about is making money in the end and the excitement of risk taking.
This is especially common in developing countries due to poverty. A young person who is unemployed, a school graduate without a job or money, might want to try their luck with other things. They may not want to turn to crime because they see betting as something less severe, but before they know it, they’re deeply involved in it due to the impact on the brain. It alters brain functioning and tricks them into believing that they’ll make it big one day.
Many believe that sports betting does not have obvious physical effects. It would be great to conduct research to better understand the patterns, connections, and impact of sports betting, especially among undergraduates. It’s a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach to address. One solution is to raise awareness about the risks and consequences of sports betting on academics. By educating individuals, especially students, about the potential negative impacts, we can help them make more informed choices.
Creating a supportive environment within schools and universities is also crucial. This can involve implementing policies that discourage gambling activities on campus and providing resources for students who may be struggling with gambling addiction. Additionally, offering counseling and support services can provide guidance and a safe space for individuals to seek help.
Strengthening regulations and monitoring gambling activities at local and national levels is vital to protect individuals from the negative consequences of excessive gambling. Lastly, promoting alternative activities and hobbies that promote healthy lifestyles and personal growth can help divert attention from excessive gambling.
Is the law on gambling in Nigeria being properly monitored, especially at the local level? Are they keeping a close eye on things to ensure that everything is being regulated effectively and fairly? Added to this is that fact betting companies smile home with so much returns that they can afford to advertise on any media and influence implementation of laws against betting. They have taken over the social media space targeting the young people in the comfort of their privacy. This trend must be checked and regulations strengthened to protect the betting youth. Placing stringent conditions for advertising of sports betting will go a long way in curbing this menace. It is crucial to have a robust monitoring system in place to protect individuals and maintain a level playing field.
• Yellow-Duke writes from Department of Mass Communication, Veritas
University, Abuja