Lagos: In Nigeria, a silent and rapidly escalating crisis-Gaming and Gambling Addiction-is overwhelmingly affecting public health and social well-being, particularly among the youth. Physical ailments like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer often overshadow public health discussions, but mental and social well-being are emerging as critical, often-overlooked drivers of risky behaviors such as problem gaming and gambling.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the World Health Organization (WHO) defines gambling as risking something of value on an uncertain outcome for a potential increased return, which includes traditional betting, casino games, lotteries, and bingo. Electronic gambling machines (EGMs) and certain online casino games carry the highest risk of harm. The lines between ‘gambling’ and ‘gaming’ are increasingly blurred, especially as modern gaming platforms incorporate ‘gambling-like’ elements such as ‘loot boxes.’
Regardless of whether it’s skill or chance, the consequences are alarmingly similar-severe financial stress, relationship breakdowns, family violence, profound mental illness, and even suicide from unmet expectations or commitments. So grave is the concern of addiction that in 2018, the WHO formally added both online and offline gaming disorder to its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), describing it as ‘a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behavior’ that ‘takes precedence over other life interests.’
The escalating societal impact was the central focus of the Responsible Gaming Symposium, organized by Gamble Alert, an NGO. Under the theme, ‘Building a Sustainable Industry Through Responsible Gaming Practices,’ the symposium held in Lagos united health professionals, industry regulators, gaming operators, and researchers to forge a comprehensive framework for addressing gambling addiction and championing player well-being.
Prof. Peter Olapegba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Administration at the University of Ibadan and a Professor of Social/Health Psychology, highlighted how digitization had profoundly amplified the problem, making gambling ‘socially acceptable across all age groups’ and accessible through smartphones and social media. His observation, ‘When you open your Bible app, you even see gambling advertisements,’ testified to its pervasive integration into daily life. Olapegba presented alarming statistics that an estimated 60 million Nigerians were actively involved in gambling, collectively spending a staggering 1.8 billion naira daily.
In spite of this massive engagement, he questioned the government’s oversight, saying, ‘The government is regulating, but it’s unclear whether they’re promoting or preventing gambling.’ He warned that gambling becomes problematic ‘When it pushes you to lose control of your budget, when you can no longer stick to your financial plan.’
Also, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, emphasized that gambling wasn’t just an economic issue, but a critical public health concern affecting mental, social, and physical health. He was represented by Dr. Tolu Ajomale, the Director/Head of Special Projects and Mental Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health. According to him, the broader scope of health is beyond the purely physical, drawing attention to the often-ignored pillars of holistic well-being.
Shedding light on the hidden human cost of gambling, he explained that gaming and gambling waves and addiction had become a worrisome behavior in society, emphasizing that it wasn’t just an economic issue, but a critical public health concern affecting mental, social, and physical health. He linked the rise of addictive behaviors like gaming and gambling to socio-economic pressures, driving individuals, especially younger people, toward gambling as an ‘escape’ mechanism.
The Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) also sounded alarm over rising online gambling risks, especially among the youths. Mr. Bashir Are, CEO of LSLGA, represented by Mrs. Adetoun Adeyemi, emphasized their commitment to ‘promoting responsible gaming and safeguarding the public.’ A partner reported over 180 calls for gambling addiction help between January and July 2024, leading to free counseling.
The consensus underscored the industry’s growing awareness of gaming/gambling addiction’s potential to disrupt finances, mental health, and social relationships, demanding urgent societal intervention and robust protective measures. As such, as the country confronts the growing challenge of gambling addiction, the experts’ passionate plea is a critical wake-up call. The path forward demands a united front: gaming industries must prioritize player protection, governments must implement robust regulations, and communities must foster awareness about mental health risks.