The Responsible Gaming Against Addiction Foundation has sparked nationwide conversations on gambling addiction with the premiere of its new documentary, Behind the Bets, which exposes the hidden struggles of gambling addicts and their families across Nigeria.
The documentary highlights the human and social costs of gambling while featuring voices of addicts, families, mental health professionals, and regulators. It calls attention to the need for stronger interventions to address gambling-related harms.
Speaking at the premiere in Lagos, Dr. Arit Esangbedo, Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, and Chairperson of the Substance Use Disorder Committee of the Nigerian Medical Association, described gambling addiction as a looming public health crisis demanding urgent national attention.
Dr. Esangbedo, who also serves as President of the Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (SURPIN), emphasized the need for multi-sectoral collaboration among government agencies, the gaming industry, and responsible gaming organizations. She also proposed the creation of a National Trust Fund for advocacy, prevention, treatment, recovery, and research.
Representing the State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos Command, Commandant Chinyerem Eziaghighala commended the Lagos State Government for its interventions but noted that those most affected by gambling addiction rarely benefit directly from such efforts.
“The people who need help the most are not getting enough of it,” she said, urging stakeholders to expand community outreach and treatment programs.
Also speaking, Margaret Osa, representing the CEO of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA), Mr. Bashir Are, praised the documentary for spotlighting the efforts of regulators in promoting responsible gaming. She reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to ensuring that the gaming industry operates ethically and prioritizes player protection and public education.
Representing the Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Dr. Taiwo Oduguwa said the hospital is open to partnering with stakeholders to provide treatment and rehabilitation for individuals battling gambling addiction, in line with institutional protocols and regulated fees.
The Foundation said Behind the Bets aims to move the conversation beyond awareness to concrete action strengthening systems for prevention, treatment, and recovery as gambling continues to grow in Nigeria’s digital economy.