The calls were made during interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, with some residents linking betting-related losses to wider economic pressures and concerns around financial hardship within local communities in Jigawa State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One resident, Ibrahim Musa<\/strong>, said he had lost about \u20a63m (\u20ac1,700) through betting over time. He noted that the growth of betting outlets in the area had increased participation among youths seeking additional income opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to him, greater awareness and stronger regulatory oversight could help encourage more responsible participation and reduce financial risks associated with gambling activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another resident, Ibrahim Mohammed<\/strong>, said he had lost more than \u20a65m (\u20ac2,800) over the years. He said the experience had affected his personal finances after previously supporting about 30 youths with startup capital for small businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mohammed said there was a need for more education on responsible gambling, particularly among low-income earners and unemployed youths who may view betting as a potential source of income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ali Sabo, another resident interviewed by NAN, said he had been involved in betting activities for over a decade and estimated his losses at more than \u20a65m (\u20ac2,800). He called for increased public awareness on responsible gambling and better support systems for individuals affected by excessive betting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The comments come as Nigeria\u2019s gambling sector continues to expand under state-level regulation following a 2024 Supreme Court ruling<\/strong> that reduced federal oversight of betting operations outside the Federal Capital Territory. Several states now regulate betting independently through gaming authorities and licensing systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While gambling is generally permitted and taxed in the country, regulatory approaches vary across regions. Northern states operating under Sharia-based legal systems have historically maintained stricter positions on gambling activities compared to southern states, where betting markets are more commercially established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Local authorities in Jigawa State have not announced any policy changes in response to the comments, but discussions around gambling regulation and responsible gaming are expected to continue as Nigeria\u2019s betting industry expands and more operators enter the regulated market.<\/p>\n\r\n\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/04\/rg24seven-boosts-responsible-gambling-300x200.jpg\")
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