Underage Gambling: Experts Sounds Alarm in Enugu

The growing threat of underage gambling took center stage yesterday at a seminar hosted by the Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, where iGaming industry consultant and advisor to the Enugu State Gaming Commission, Ejiofor Agada, delivered a powerful TED-style talk urging young people to steer clear of gambling.

Held at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, the seminar was part of a government-led initiative to confront the disturbing rate at which children and adolescents in the state are being exposed to gambling activities, often via mobile apps, social media platforms, and unregulated betting shops.

In his presentation titled “Your Future First: Understanding and Escaping the Dangers of Underage Gambling,” Agada addressed an auditorium filled with secondary school students, educators, and child protection advocates.

He explained that while gambling is legal in Nigeria for individuals aged 18 and above, it becomes illegal—and deeply harmful—when minors are involved.

“Gambling is not just about money; it’s about your mind, your time, and your future,” Agada said. “For children, it isn’t entertainment—it’s a trap that leads to emotional stress, poor academic performance, and in some cases, crime and addiction.”

Using simple language and interactive tools, Agada walked students through the different forms of gambling, the difference between regulated and unregulated platforms, and the dangers of being lured by the promise of “easy money.”

He advised those already exposed to gambling to speak up and seek help through parents, teachers, or counselors.

The talk also spotlighted the active role being played by the Enugu State Gaming Commission in combating the problem. Agada highlighted regulatory measures such as mandatory age verification (KYC) by licensed operators, targeted enforcement against illegal gambling operators, and public awareness campaigns across schools and communities.

“We’re working closely with operators, security agencies, and schools to ensure that children are not targeted or harmed by the gaming industry,” he added.

Reacting to the presentation, Mrs. Ngozi Eni, commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, described it as “a wake-up call for parents, teachers, and the entire society.”

“It’s not just about punishing those who allow children to gamble,” she said. “It’s about educating our children, empowering our communities, and enforcing the law without compromise.”

As Nigeria’s gaming industry continues to grow, stakeholders at the event agreed that more targeted initiatives are needed to protect the nation’s youth and ensure that legal gambling remains an adult-only activity.

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