FROM GAMES TO GRIEF: THE DARK SIDE OF GAMBLING AMONG NIGERIAN YOUTHS - BY ABIODUN MOSHOOD

The rate of gambling in Nigeria is becoming chaotic, with many Nigerian youths relying heavily on it. The belief that one can use a small amount to win millions is highly anomalous. Gambling involves engaging in activities where outcomes are determined by chance rather than skill, risking something valuable on an unpredictable event or outcome. This includes participating in lotteries, casinos, sports betting, and other games of chance. The most common forms of gambling among Nigerian youths are sports betting and lottery games. Sports betting involves placing money on upcoming sports events, hoping to win multiples of the bet. This can include betting on football matches, boxing, racing, and online games. Additionally, Nigerian adults and youths play lottery games, popularly known as "Baba Ijebu," where players bet on specific numbers, winning cash if the numbers appear on the board. Sports betting is highly prevalent among Nigerian male youths, largely due to the desire for quick or easy money, rather than hustling. Many youths engage in high-stakes betting, sometimes placing bets of ₦5,000 in a single day.

I know of a case where an undergraduate used his school fees for gambling, resulting in him being unable to register for courses or write exams; the frustration led him to cut his own life short. This situation often starts gradually, with small bets and occasional wins, leading the individual to believe that a bigger bet will yield significant returns. The negative effects of gambling are evident in this scenario. While the potential for winning is the primary advantage of gambling, offering possibilities of winning money or prizes, it is essential to consider the costs. Before winning a bet, one would likely have wasted a significant amount of money that could have been used to start a business. Gambling can be addictive, motivating individuals to place more bets, and ultimately, it is like throwing money away.

Let us examine the disadvantages of gambling, which include addiction, financial problems, emotional distress, and negative impacts on vulnerable individuals. Gambling can be addictive, making it challenging to stop once started. Excessive gambling leads to financial difficulties, debt, and even bankruptcy. It also causes significant emotional stress, anxiety, and depression, particularly when losses occur. Furthermore, gambling affects vulnerable individuals, such as those with mental health issues or low-income individuals, potentially leading to depression. In all, gambling can have a ripple effect on family members, causing emotional distress and financial hardship, which could even lead to severe consequences.

To eradicate gambling among Nigerian youths, public awareness and education on gambling are necessary, along with community-based initiatives, treatment and rehabilitation programs for struggling individuals. In terms of public awareness and education, a regulatory body should oversee gambling activities, ensuring fair play and protecting vulnerable individuals. Community-based initiatives involve engaging community leaders, youth leaders, religious leaders, and civil society groups in promoting responsible gambling practices. Struggling individuals should have access to treatment and rehabilitation programs.

In conclusion, achieving these solutions require collaboration between the government, civil society, and the private sector. By working together, Nigeria can mitigate the negative impacts of gambling and promote responsible gaming practices.

© ABIODUN MOSHOOD O. (AMO)

- Nigeria