Gambling or exploitation? Uzokwe calls for robust regulation in Nigeria’s sports betting sector 

“Online sports betting is a fast-growing industry in Nigeria, but this growth brings a range of challenges that put consumers at risk” says Dr Henry Uzokwe.

From betting shops to electronic gambling, the sports online industry has come a long way. With platforms like Betway, Nairabet and Sportybet dominating the market, just a few clicks, bettors can stake on their teams, track odds and cash out winnings instantly. This ease of access has fueled an industry boom with Nigeria at the forefront in Africa. According to Dr. Uzokwe, three out of every 10 Nigerian youth are now actively engaging in sports betting, including children. However, while millions of Nigerian consumers are drawn to the prospect of quick wealth that it presents, problems persist in the form of fraud, addiction and financial ruin.

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Dr. Uzokwe expresses serious concerns regarding the rise in criminal activities within the betting industry, particularly in recent times.  “There is the absence of fairness and transparency. Bettors trust these sites to be unbiased and legitimate, yet platforms manipulate and cancel winnings without justification. Fraud remains another major issue. Cybercriminals now set up fake betting sites to steal financial information. I have seen cases where unsuspecting bettors lose their money to cloned sites that look exactly like real betting platforms”, he said.

Phishing emails further trick users into revealing banking details, “Irresponsible gambling is also a growing problem. Stories of individuals betting away their school fees, savings and house rents are becoming alarmingly common”, Dr Uzokwe laments.

To combat these risks, steps have been taken to regulate online sports betting. However, enforcement poses a big problem. “We have the laws! At the heart of these regulations are the National Lottery Act (NLA), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and even the Cybercrime(Prevention, Prohibition, etc.) Act which criminalizes online fraud including betting related scams. However, a regulation is only as effective as its enforcement” Dr Uzokwe warns.

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Unlike other jurisdiction where self-exclusion tools, betting limits and awareness campaigns are mandatory, Nigerian betting sites do not offer these options. “A country that allows widespread online betting platforms should have strong enforcement initiatives in place. We cannot keep ignoring this,” he said.

The news of betting platforms suspending accounts, withholding winnings without explanation and allowing funds to disappear without accountability is on the rise. Many bettors have taken to social media to complain about the underhandedness of these platforms, yet no structured legal recourse follows. Without efficient enforcement mechanisms, consumers are left at the mercy of these operators.

“Should we let platforms that manipulate users or cancel winnings without justification go scot-free? We must ensure that these laws are not just written but also fully implemented to protect bettors from the darker sides of the industry,” says Dr Uzokwe.

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To address these issues, a multifaceted approach is needed. Regulatory oversight must be checked to ensure that betting platforms operate fairly with clear dispute resolution mechanisms. Dr. Uzokwe recommends the establishment of strong licensing measures, public awareness campaigns and technological interventions must be adopted to ensure fair play, protect personal data and promote responsible gambling. Regular audits must be enforced by the NLRC to maintain compliance while the FCCPC must intensify consumer education. Finally, bettors must take responsibility by verifying platforms, setting gambling limits and avoiding sites with exaggerated promotions or unclear terms.

The online sports betting industry in Nigeria holds immense potential but without adequate protective measures, the risks will soon outweigh the rewards. It is crucial for the government, regulatory bodies, and consumers to take decisive action. Dr. Uzokwe delivers a strong message that betting should serve as a form of entertainment, not exploitation.