Some residents in Dutse, Jigawa State, have called for a total ban on betting to protect themselves from losses and promote financial discipline among youths.
They also decried the proliferation of betting centres in the area and advocated proactive measures to address the trend.
A cross-section of the residents said this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Dutse.
A resident, Mr Ibrahim Musa, attributed the proliferation of betting in the area to ignorance and the desire for easy money.
Musa said that he lost about N3 million to betting, adding that the practice contributed to criminal behaviour among youths.
He noted that a large number of punters are currently serving jail terms due to betting-related financial crimes.
Musa said that it was imperative to ban betting to promote financial discipline and instil good morals among young people.
“I appeal to the state government and the Dutse Emirate Council to ban betting shops to protect the youths from stealing and other crimes,” he said.
Another resident, Ibrahim Mohammed, advised youths and women to be wary of betting in view of its negative impacts on their social and economic well-being.
“It is a destructive habit that leads to financial ruin and crimes,” he said.
Recounting his ordeal, Mohammed said that he lost over N5 million to betting over the years, adding that the trend exposed him to financial crisis.
“Previously, I enjoyed financial stability and assisted about 30 youths with seed capital to set up their businesses.
“It is disheartening that I’m broke now as a result of my losses in betting,” he said.
Also, Ali Sabo said that he had been betting for over 10 years and had squandered more than N5 million within the period.
He noted that a lack of effective regulatory framework encouraged the growth of betting and exposed punters to financial difficulties.
“About five of my associates have developed mental health challenges caused by betting-related stress and losses,” he said.
Similarly, Sabo Haladu, a resident of Gujungu town in Taura Local Government Area of the state, said betting was popular among idle youths in the area.
Haladu, a farm labourer, said he engaged in betting with the hope of improving his financial standing but suffered repeated losses.
He, therefore, called for a total ban on betting in the state.
(NAN)
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