Some residents of Jigawa State have called for a total ban on betting activities, citing rising financial losses, youth addiction, and increasing social problems linked to gambling in the state.
The residents made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria in Dutse on Sunday.
They expressed concern over the growing number of betting centres across communities in the state and urged authorities to take proactive measures to curb the trend.
One of the residents, Ibrahim Musa, attributed the increasing popularity of betting among youths to the desire for quick wealth and lack of proper awareness about its consequences.
According to him, betting has contributed to poverty and criminal behaviour among many young people.
Musa disclosed that he personally lost about N3 million through betting activities over time, adding that several youths had also suffered severe emotional and psychological stress due to repeated losses.
“Many young people now depend on betting as a source of income instead of engaging in productive ventures,” he said.
He further alleged that some individuals involved in financial crimes were driven by debts and frustrations arising from gambling losses.
Another resident, Sabo Haladu from Gujungu in Taura Local Government Area, said betting had become widespread among idle youths in rural communities.
Haladu, who identified himself as a farm labourer, said he initially joined betting with hopes of improving his financial condition but ended up suffering repeated losses.
He appealed to the government and religious leaders to intensify public enlightenment campaigns against gambling and other social vices affecting youths in the state.
According to him, banning betting activities would help promote discipline, hard work, and responsible financial habits among young people.
Some parents and community leaders who spoke with the source also expressed fears that the increasing presence of betting shops near schools and residential areas could expose minors to gambling at an early age.
They called on authorities to introduce stricter regulations on betting operations and ensure enforcement of existing laws guiding gambling activities in the country.
Efforts to obtain official comments from relevant regulatory agencies in the state were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Betting and online gambling activities have continued to generate debate across Nigeria, with critics warning about their social and economic impact on youths, while operators argue that the industry creates employment and generates revenue for governments.
