Ladipo Abiose Akolade is the founder of Gamblepause Initiative, a non-governmental organisation promoting responsible gaming in the US and Nigeria. In this interview, he speaks on the problem of gambling among youths and how such could be tackled. Excerpts.
Your area of focus is in tackling gambling addiction, can explain what this is?
Gambling addiction or gambling disorder is a compulsive need to gamble despite negative consequences. Key aspects include compulsive urge, which is an uncontrollable desire to gamble.There is also loss of control, that is the inability to stop gambling.
Financial issues also come up, which brings about significant financial losses and debt. Other negative factors about gambling is that it brings about neglect, which makes one ignoring responsibilities and relationships and also there is emotional distress, which brings anxiety and depression.
At what stage or level can one say that gambling has become a habit that needs to be checked?
Gambling needs to be checked when it disrupts one’s daily life, that is, if it interferes with work, relationships, or responsibilities. Also, when it is now causing financial problems, leading to significant debt or financial stress, or when it is exhibiting the inability to stop despite wanting to. One should also be concerned if it triggers emotional distress, causing anxiety, depression, or irritability when not gambling and also, when it leads to neglect, especially when one prioritizes gambling over important activities and obligations.
How does one develop betting and gambling habits?
Betting and gambling habits develop through initial exposure; this is the first stage. The person will want to try gambling out of curiosity or social influence. Also, reinforcement, which is experiencing wins, as this will create excitement and a sense of reward. After reinforcement, comes escalation, as the person will increase the frequency and amount of bets to chase wins or escape stress. Psychological factors later set in, that is, using gambling to cope with emotional issues or boredom.
Betting or gambling is making massive inroad into Nigeria, especially among youths, how do you see this?
The rapid increase of betting and gambling in Nigeria, especially among youths, is concerning. It poses risks such as addiction, that is, higher vulnerability to developing gambling disorders, financial strain, which comes as a result of increased debt and economic instability among young people. It also brings about distraction, that is, neglect of education and productive activities. The mental health will also be affected, with the potential rise in anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The societal impact, like strain on families and communities due to gambling-related problems, can also not be overemphasized.
The gambling industry seems not to be regulated in the country as betting is easily accessible to youths, what do you see to this?
The widespread presence of betting shops and unregulated online gambling apps in Nigeria is problematic. It promotes addiction, exploits the vulnerability of uninformed persons, and this leads to economic harm and social issues.
The social and economic dislocations associated with betting and gambling are quite obvious, what mechanisms can you suggest professionally to curb this menace in Nigeria?
To curb betting and gambling issues in Nigeria, consider, there is need for regulation in the industry. Relevant government agencies should implement strict laws and oversight for gambling operations. There is also the need for more sensitization to increase awareness about gambling risks through public campaigns. Also, there should be support service through the provision of counseling and support for those affected by gambling addiction.
Restrictions should also be put in place by limiting the number and locations of betting shops and regulate online platforms..
How can one identify that one has a problem with gambling?
The person will display compulsive behaviour, that is, the inability to stop if he no longer wants to continue. Financial issues like debt accumulation will also start showing, among other negative issues.
As a member of the Connecticut Council of Problem Gambling USA, is there is similarity between betting and gambling in the USA and Nigeria?
Yes, there are similarities in betting and gambling practices in the USA and Nigeria, like the issue of accessibility, that is high availability of betting shops and online platforms.
The target audience are mostly young individuals and economically vulnerable populations. In the area of negative impacts, both countries experience similar issues including addiction, financial problems, relationship strain, and mental health challenges.
As an expert in the area of tackling gambling, what can you suggest to the Nigerian government that will help to curb this problem, especially among youths?
To curb gambling addiction among young people in Nigeria, government should consider these policy suggestions activities for youth. Regulation: Enforce strict regulations and licensing for gambling operators, age restrictions: Implement and enforce age limits for gambling participation, public awareness: Launch educational campaigns about the risks of gambling, support services: establish counseling and support programs for addicts, monitoring: develop a regulatory body to oversee and monitor gambling activities, alternative engagement: promote sports, arts, and other productive activities for youth.
