The Pandemic Next Time- Sports Betting

Femi Akintunde-Johnson: It’s evident that there was a time when Nigerians, particularly the youth, viewed success in simpler terms. It was closely linked to education, skill development, and, above all, hard work. However, today we are witnessing a shift in that perspective. The bright lights of betting kiosks and the temptation of instant wealth have captured the imagination of our youth. What once was a harmless pastime has morphed into a troubling addiction, deeply woven into the socio-economic fabric of Nigerian life.

So, what is gambling? At its core, it’s a risk—a simple concept. Yet, sports betting elevates that risk, presenting itself as a calculated gamble. “You know football, right?” This very notion of calculation can trap the mind. What begins as an innocent distraction can quickly evolve into a habit and, ultimately, a full-blown addiction. Initially, it might just be an occasional bet, but then the thrill of a win can set off a cycle. It shifts from enjoyment to compulsion—a desperate urge to bet fueled by the hope of hitting it big.

The impact of gambling addiction on individuals, particularly young Nigerians, is profound. Those caught in its grasp often face significant financial losses, affecting their ability to meet basic needs, nurture relationships, or focus on long-term goals. Families fragment, friendships fade, and once-bright futures are shattered. Tragically, gambling addiction preys upon the vulnerabilities of youth. Many, already grappling with an economy that offers scant opportunities, see sports betting as a potential escape from poverty, only to find themselves spiraling into deeper despair.

The issue is hardly unique to Nigeria. On a global scale, numerous elite athletes have seen their careers disrupted or even destroyed by gambling addictions. While specific cases in Nigeria may be harder to document, there are murmurs within football circles of young talents whose aspirations have been derailed due to gambling-related woes. Internationally, figures like Michael Jordan have been candid about their struggles with gambling, and former footballer Paul Merson has shared how it nearly cost him his career.

Recent incidents involving Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United FC and Lucas Paquetá of West Ham United underscore the gravity of the issue. Tonali’s connection to illegal betting, including matches he participated in, led to a substantial ban that tarnished his career. Paquetá faced investigations that raised doubts about his integrity, even if he wasn’t formally convicted. These incidents, alongside Daniel Sturridge’s betting-related ban in 2020, highlight the pervasive nature of gambling addiction in high-stakes sports, prompting severe sanctions from football authorities in England and Italy.

Such cases carry troubling implications for younger fans who look up to athletes as role models. The strict measures taken by football authorities demonstrate a commitment to mitigating gambling’s reach, yet they also reveal the entrenched nature of the problem within sports, affecting even those at the pinnacle of their careers.

To understand the scale of this crisis, recent statistics reveal that over 60 million Nigerians aged 18 to 40 are involved in sports betting, with daily expenditures estimated at ₦2 billion. The global gambling market, of which Nigeria is an expanding segment, is projected to exceed $800 billion by 2026. Amid these figures lies a lucrative business model designed to ensnare. With the promise of quick wins, relentless advertising, and easy access through technology, gambling has become a multi-billion-naira industry that exploits our youth’s vulnerabilities.

And what about those who “win”? You might witness someone from your neighborhood suddenly thriving after a lucky betting streak, flaunting their new car or house. Yet, these stories rarely culminate in happy endings. The lifestyles birthed from gambling often lead to reckless spending, estrangement from loved ones, and a disconnection from reality. The real tragedy is in the message these fleeting “successes” convey to the younger generation: that hard work is outdated, instant wealth is a given, and the traditional values of patience and diligence are for the naive.

In extreme cases, the desperation for quick riches has led some to alarming actions. Reports have surfaced of young individuals resorting to ritual sacrifices, believing that supernatural forces will grant them a winning bet. This is a chilling indication of how gambling can corrupt not just financial situations but moral compasses. Such beliefs, once relegated to the realm of myths, have permeated modern Nigerian life as the quest for fast money eclipses the long-held values of integrity and hard work.

The socio-cultural decay wrought by gambling among Nigerian youth is significant. Alarmingly, some parents, perceiving no viable alternatives for their children to escape poverty, have begun to endorse betting. Fathers take their sons to betting shops, while mothers discreetly support their sons’ betting endeavors, all in the hope of hitting the jackpot. This normalization of gambling sets a perilous precedent, creating a generational legacy of quick fixes and a dismissive attitude towards genuine achievement.

So, what can be done? It’s clear that government intervention is not just necessary—it’s urgent. Stricter regulations around gambling, particularly sports betting, must be enforced, including tighter age restrictions and limitations on betting establishments. The flood of betting ads during peak viewing times, especially on youth-targeted media, needs to be curbed. Education in schools and communities about the dangers of gambling is essential, framing it not just as a moral dilemma but as a serious issue with tangible consequences. By empowering young people with tangible economic opportunities, we can undermine the allure of betting that so often leads to despair.

Globally, many countries have made strides in gambling regulation. The UK, for instance, has implemented protective measures for vulnerable groups, including self-exclusion options for addicts. Such initiatives could be adopted in Nigeria as well. Organizations—from mental health advocates to economic empowerment programs—also play a crucial role in reestablishing sanity in Nigerian households.

Perhaps there’s something to learn from what’s been dubbed “the Brazilian solution.” Brazil’s recent approach of legalizing and regulating sports betting to balance economic growth with consumer protection includes stringent regulations. Since legalizing betting in 2018, Brazil has mandated that betting companies be licensed and taxed, directing portions of the revenue toward public services and combating gambling addiction. This model includes advertising restrictions and self-exclusion options under government oversight, fostering a culture of responsible gambling while addressing underground activities.

The solutions are well within reach. It starts with reshaping the narrative for Nigerian youth: wealth built on luck is fleeting, while success founded on hard work is enduring. Education and opportunity truly serve as the paths to success. Families, communities, and the government must unite to mitigate the impact of gambling and sports betting before it derails our future.