Former Liberian minister pushes for ban on gambling and sports betting
Modad, who served in President Joseph Boakai’s administration until his resignation in October 2024 amid controversy over a vehicle procurement deal, argued that gambling preys on the vulnerable in Liberia’s impoverished society.
Liberia.- Former Liberian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Amin Modad, has called for an outright ban on gambling and sports betting, labelling it a “pervasive epidemic” that is ravaging families, fuelling addiction and exacerbating poverty across the nation.
Modad, who served in President Joseph Boakai’s administration until his resignation in October 2024 amid controversy over a vehicle procurement deal, argued that gambling preys on the vulnerable in Liberia’s impoverished society.
He said: “The next issue that must be addressed and ultimately banned from our society is gambling and sports betting. Gambling has become a pervasive epidemic that is quietly yet devastatingly destroying our society. It is tearing apart families, destroying lives and jeopardising the future of our youth.
“Preying on poverty, it offers false hope to those striving for a better life, only to leave them in deeper despair. As a consequence, a significant portion of our population experiences depression and anxiety, which in turn fuels addiction, crime and drug abuse.”
The call comes at a time when sports betting has surged in popularity in Liberia over the past decade, driven by intense marketing through billboards, radio, social media and mobile apps. Companies such as Winners Inc., Starbet and Premier Bet operate legally under government regulations, offering odds on football, basketball and other sports. These platforms have made wagering accessible via smartphones, enabling round-the-clock betting.
However, critics like Modad warn that the industry’s growth has come at a steep social cost. He described gambling as “quietly yet devastatingly eroding Liberia’s social fabric”, comparing it to drug addiction for its ability to distort decision-making and perpetuate cycles of poverty.
In addition to a ban, Modad recommended a multifaceted approach that includes public education campaigns, stricter enforcement and expanded mental health services to address addiction. Drawing on international models, he pointed to Singapore’s stringent casino regulations and Sweden’s focus on education and treatment as potential blueprints for Liberia, where weak oversight and low public awareness amplify risks.
As betting sites continue to proliferate in the country, calls for tighter controls or an outright ban may gain momentum among policymakers and civil society groups.
