Nigerian Lawmakers Move to Ban Sports Betting (2024)

Nigeria’s House of Representatives in February 2024 moved to prohibit sports betting nationwide, citing rising concerns over addiction, crime, and financial hardship among citizens.

The motion, introduced during plenary, highlighted that an estimated 60 million Nigerians aged 18–40 engage in betting, with lawmakers warning that weak regulation has fueled mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.

Proponents of the ban argued that excessive gambling has led to broken families, job losses, and rising debt levels, with some linking it to increased crime rates.

However, the proposal sparked backlash from industry stakeholders who warned that banning betting could eliminate jobs and government revenue while pushing gamblers to unregulated platforms.

The House subsequently called for nationwide awareness campaigns on the dangers of betting, alongside further legislative review.