Changes and Challenges in Nigeria’s Gambling Industry

Discover how gambling in Nigeria has evolved and how it affects the economy and culture. Explore the industry’s opportunities and challenges here.

Gambling has always been part of Nigerian culture, with traditional forms of gambling playing a role in social interactions. 

Colonial oppression and the oral nature of African cultures make it difficult to find historical records of pre-colonial gambling practices. Still, there is evidence of indigenous games, such as Abbia and Mancala, involving complex social exchanges.

Gambling was frowned upon by the church in the past despite its historical roots. However, it became more acceptable after being legalized in the late 1990s, especially among the younger generation. 

In the digital era, gambling products have become more diverse and intense, with online platforms becoming more common due to the availability of mobile internet and smartphones.

Rise of Gambling in Nigeria

The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) was created in 2005 to regulate and supervise lottery and gaming operations in Nigeria, with an emphasis on ensuring fairness and integrity.

Their work is crucial as the gambling trend continues to rise. Increased financial independence and a growing middle class have raised disposable income. Technological innovations like fast internet and widespread smartphone access have also enlarged the audience. 

Sports betting is currently the most popular form of gambling in Africa, including Nigeria, due to the strong cultural connection to sports like football, cricket, and athletics. While sports betting is still popular, there is a tendency to diversify into mobile-friendly gaming genres like video slots, table games, and possibly eSports and fantasy sports. 

One game that is gaining popularity is the crypto crash game Aviator. In Aviator, bettors manipulate an aircraft that goes higher for bigger rewards. Aviator is a game where players bet on a multiplier that rises as the plane flies higher. Players start by betting within limits and the multiplier increases with the plane’s altitude. 

The goal is to cash out before the plane crashes, and the payouts depend on the multiplier when cashing out. This game is a challenging and fun online gambling option. If you are wondering how to win Aviator, you must have good timing and intuition, and be willing to take risks.

Double-Edged Sword of Gambling

Sports betting and casinos are seen as potential sources of economic growth, offering opportunities to increase attendance, viewership, sponsorship revenue, and government tax revenue for sports facilities. 

However, there are worries about the social cost of gambling addiction, and despite positive estimates, the sports sector currently accounts for less than 1% of Nigeria’s GDP. This number shows the limited economic influence of gambling itself on related sectors.

However, gambling also has a dark side, especially for the vulnerable segments of the population. The legal age for gambling in Nigeria is 18, but many underage people gamble, mainly motivated by financial gain due to factors such as greed, unemployment, economic hardship, and poverty. 

Other factors influencing gambling behavior include enjoyment, sports enthusiasm, and peer pressure. It is estimated that one to eight percent of gamblers have a gambling problem, and another 10 to 15 percent are at risk. Gambling addiction can have devastating consequences, such as mental health issues, debt, crime, and even suicide. 

For example, in May 2023, an incident happened in Ogun State, where Samuel Adegoke, a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, took his own life after losing his school fee and that of his colleague to gambling. The ND2 student of Electrical Electronic Engineering reportedly consumed a substance after he lost money in an online betting game while the school was preparing for its semester examinations. 

This case illustrates the need for prevention efforts focusing on educating and raising awareness. Some might see this as a barrier, but a responsible gambling campaign might enhance the market further while positively impacting the economy, along with infrastructure investment, technological advancements, and regulatory support.