Oyo govt cautions gamblers on its risks

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Oyo State, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, gave the warning at the 5th Annual Stakeholders’ Interactive Forum of the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board, held in Ibadan, on Thursday.

Delivering the keynote address at the event, the SSG cautioned against irresponsible gambling when the player, in an addictive manner, commits resources meant to live life to gaming.

She noted that players are expected to use their spare funds for games and should be responsible enough to know to stop when it is affecting them negatively. She stressed that the state government was preaching responsible gaming and that residents should explore its opportunities without being financially restrained.

In protecting citizens against irresponsible gambling, Adeyemo said the state had in place a gaming framework and lottery regulations. She, however, stressed that responsible gaming was not just the duty of the government but that of all and sundry.

Speaking in the same vein, the Director-General of the Oyo State Gaming Board, Mr Olajide Boladuro, said the state government was worried that people gambled with their life fortunes, children’s tuition fees, and monies meant for capital projects.

He warned that gambling was addictive, noting that the standard practice worldwide should be that people use spare funds to gamble. He said the state was keen on reducing the risk of players spending more on gambling activities than they could afford or engaging in high-risk transactions.

Notwithstanding the gaming board’s duty to licence and tax gamers for revenue, Boladuro said the state would still continue to inform gamers of the negative consequences of underage gaming and unsafe and irresponsible gaming.

The forum featured presentations on Building Sustainability through Responsible Gaming, Harnessing Industry Opportunities in Technology for the Gaming Industry, and Transitioning to iGaming.

Source: tribuneonlineng.com

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