Janet Ogundepo writes about dangers of addictive betting among Nigerians as experts fear rise in mental illnesses.
PUNCH
…A 2019 report by a research and data company, NOIPolls, shows that Nigerians spend N730bn on sports betting annually and at least N2bn is generated daily.
Young persons, 47 per cent, accounted for the largest proportion of Nigerians engaged in the practice.
There are over 50 betting sites and applications in Nigeria. Some of the betting companies with applications are Bet9ja, 1xbet, Betway, Betwinner, N1bet, Parimatch, 22bet, and Betano.
Addiction experts and psychiatrists who spoke to PUNCH Healthwise on the matter noted that gambling mostly started from a game or recreation exercise.
They stated that the reward gambling offers further attracted the players to the game, consequently causing addiction.
The experts noted that although persons addicted to betting had yet to present to the clinics, substance addicts currently presenting at the centres, had underlying gambling addiction.
An addiction counsellor and Senior Program Manager, Substance Abuse Treatment, The Gracehill Behavioural Health Services, Oyewale Oloyede, explained that substance use disorder predisposes people, especially youths to gambling addiction.
He mentioned that early exposure to gambling, family history of gambling and easy access to the applications were factors causing an increase.
“Gambling can lead to anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and substance use. These patterns are seen in people who continuously bet in society. It is a hidden addiction and people don’t talk about it. The applications have a role to play in the increase of impulsive betting,” Oloyede said.
Nigeria advocating industry growth
However, on October 31, 2023, during the 2023 International Gaming Conference, the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo, said the Federal Government “will do all within its statutory powers to ensure the gaming industry remains on the steady path of sustainable growth and development.”
Meanwhile, the Fund’s Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Bello Maigari, during an appearance before the House of Representatives Committee on Finance on November 20, 2023, stated that the Fund, in 2023, generated N2.5bn.
He, however, noted that the entire sum, generated from statutory remittances from licenses and permit holders, had been spent in the execution of various projects across the country.
Betting can cause mental disorder
A clinical psychologist at the Department of Behavioural Medicine, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Professor Ayodele Coker, stated that betting could lead to gambling addiction and a mental disorder called compulsive gambling.
Compulsive gambling involves repeated, uncontrollable gambling despite losing money and suffering negative consequences.
The mental health clinician and researcher added, “The mental disorder can significantly impact a person’s life, relationships, and overall well-being. This is because betting stimulates the brain’s reward system much like drugs or alcohol can, leading to addiction.”
The don also said that the risk of developing mental health issues, with symptoms such as anxiety and depression, was higher in persons who lost much money and property to betting.
He, however, noted that “Nigerians with gambling addictions have not started reporting for psychiatric assessments and treatment. It could be due to the stigma associated with the treatment and the shame of losing such a big amount to betting.
‘Rate of mental disorder may increase’
Coker also raised the alarm that many youths were addicted to gambling, stating, “The rates of mental disorder in Nigerian may slightly increase due to the rising rates of all sorts of sports and other betting sites in this country because the younger Nigerians are significantly getting addicted to the habit.
“When betters eventually win some money, the money is ultimately recycled back to the gambling because of the belief that they are going to win a larger amount when next they try. It, therefore, becomes a vicious cycle of habitual behaviour.”
From recreation to addiction
Also, the Psychiatrist-in-Chief at Pinnacle Medical Service, Dr Maymunah Kadiri, noted that for some people, betting began as a harmless pastime but later became an addiction.
She also said that the illusion of control and the distraction from real-world issues made gambling and betting an alluring outlet to escape from life’s challenges.
Kadiri added that the proliferation of the apps had transformed the entertainment and recreation sector.
The psychiatrist noted that heightened stress, anxiety and clinical depression were the emotions addicted gamblers faced.
The mental health physician and coach said, “Addiction to betting apps is not merely a financial concern; it intricately weaves a complex web that entangles mental health.
“ The constant thrill of anticipation, the highs of wins, and the crushing lows of losses contribute to a rollercoaster of emotions that can have profound consequences. Individuals find themselves ensnared in a cycle of heightened stress, anxiety, and, in severe cases, clinical depression.
“The financial ramifications of gambling losses amplify the strain on mental health. The very money that individuals may have earned through hard work and dedication slip through their fingers, leaving behind a trail of regret, guilt, and self-blame. This financial stress becomes a silent antagonist, quietly gnawing at one’s mental resilience.”
The mental health advocate noted that the ease of accessibility contributed to individuals yielding to impulsive behaviour.
Increased stress, worsening mental health
Kadiri further noted that the need to recover losses and maintain a disguise of normalcy increased stress levels.
“The confluence of these factors raises legitimate concerns about the possibility of a mental health pandemic. Statistics already highlight the prevalence of gambling addiction globally, with a disproportionate impact on men. If this trend continues unabated, the effects could reverberate across individuals and society at large.
“On individuals, “The constant uncertainty inherent in gambling breeds stress and anxiety, affecting one’s mental equilibrium. Also, sustained financial losses and the emotional toll of addiction can lead to clinical depression, further impacting an individual’s daily life. The secretive nature of gambling addiction strains relationships, leading to isolation and worsening mental health.”
Further speaking on the impacts of addictive betting on society, the psychiatrist noted that it would create an additional burden on the already struggling healthcare systems.
She added, “A mentally strained workforce is likely to witness decreased productivity, potentially affecting economic output.
“The intersection of betting app addiction and mental health is a complex terrain that demands attention. The potential for a mental health pandemic looms large, and proactive measures are essential.
“These may include raising awareness about responsible gambling, promoting accessible support systems, and dismantling the stigma associated with seeking help. The cost of inaction could translate into not only individual suffering but a societal challenge that necessitates collective intervention.”
