•Want underage gambling sanctioned
A social and health psychology scholar at the University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo State, Prof. Peter Olapegba, Chief Executive Officer of Gamble Alert, Fisayo Oke and Executive Secretary of Association of Nigerian Bookmakers (ANB), Olabimpe Akingba, have warned against irresponsible gambling, saying such an act has resulted in suicide cases, dysfunctional family, social problems and reduction in quality of life.
Consequently, they called on government and regulators to sanction companies engaging in underage gambling and other forms of irresponsible gaming.
They made the call during the opening ceremony of Gamble Alert, an organisation fostering a united front against gambling addiction at Oke-Ado, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
According to them, irresponsible and underage gambling must be avoided to prevent social and psychological disorders.
Olapegba, who is the Chairman of Board of Trustees of Gamble Alert, said: “Gambling has caused and still causing a lot of damage. It affects the quality of life, the money which is supposed to be spent for feeding might have gone on gambling. It causes family dysfunction. The father may not be living up to the level of a responsible man. Fighting will break out at home. It will affect health, cause anxiety, depression which is a precursor to suicide.
“Underage gambling must not be done because the underage are the generation of tomorrow.’’
While calling on the government to wield the big stick, the professor said: “The government as the chief regulator must provide oversight and ensure that gambling companies comply with the rules of the game and sanction those who refuse to comply and make sure companies involve in CSR and take care of unintended consequences.’’
On her part, the Executive Secretary of Association of Nigerian Bookmakers (ANB), Akingba, said Gamble Alert is resolute in its efforts to stamp out gambling addiction and irresponsible gambling.
She said: “We stand together, resolute in our belief that initiatives for responsible gambling and treatment of gambling addicts must be at the forefront of our industry’s agenda.
“To regulators, gambling companies, and other relevant stakeholders, I implore you to join us in this noble cause. Let us unite our efforts, share our expertise, and forge a path towards a future where gaming remains a source of entertainment, free from the shadows of addiction.’’
Oke, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Gamble Alert, said gambling addiction could result in suicide cases.
He said: “At Gamble Alert, we understand that addressing addiction requires a multi-faceted approach. That is why we have committed ourselves not only to healing the wounds inflicted by addiction but also to preventing future wounds from occurring.
“We have made significant strides in understanding the complexities of gambling addiction and its underlying causes. We collaborate with leading experts in the field, conducting studies that shed light on the psychological, social, and economic aspects of this pervasive issue.
“In our relentless pursuit of prevention, we have implemented extensive awareness campaigns and sensitisation programmes.’’
