Lessons from Abroad in Tackling Student Gambling

Editorial: Lessons from Abroad in Tackling Student Gambling

Kelvin Danlami’s death at IBBUL has ignited urgent calls for Nigeria to confront the dangers of gambling among students. Yet, while the tragedy is deeply local, the problem is global, and other nations have grappled with similar crises. Looking outward offers Nigeria valuable lessons on how policy, education, and community action can combine to protect young people from the lure of betting.

In the United Kingdom, gambling regulation has been tightened significantly in recent years. Advertising restrictions prevent betting companies from targeting minors, and universities have begun to integrate awareness campaigns into student life.

The government has also mandated affordability checks, ensuring that individuals cannot gamble beyond their means. These measures, though imperfect, reflect a recognition that gambling is not merely entertainment but a public health issue.

Australia, long considered a gambling hotspot, has taken steps to limit student exposure by restricting online betting platforms and requiring operators to display clear warnings about addiction risks. Universities there have partnered with counseling services to provide early intervention programs, helping students recognize the signs of gambling dependency before it spirals out of control.

Closer to home, South Africa has attempted to balance regulation with education. Betting companies are required to contribute to responsible gambling initiatives, funding helplines and awareness campaigns.

While enforcement remains uneven, the principle of shared responsibility between industry and government is one Nigeria could adopt.

These examples show that combating gambling among students requires a multi-pronged approach: strict regulation of betting companies, proactive education within universities, and accessible support systems for those already affected.

Nigeria must adapt these lessons to its own context, where economic hardship and limited opportunities make gambling particularly seductive.

Kelvin’s death should not only spark grief but also galvanize reform, ensuring that the dreams of Nigerian youth are not gambled away in silence.