Game of hope; game of addiction: rising football betting among Nigerian youths and its implications for peace, security and stability

Football betting (FB) is on the rise in Nigeria especially among the youths. This study examines the nature of FB among Nigerian youths, drivers, as well as its peace and security implications. Findings show that youths involved in FB usually play online by themselves or register in abet company outlet. The paper also discovered that increase in the use of smart phones and availability of the Internet facilities enhance playing of FB; but, it is driven largely by widespread unemployment and poverty among the youths. Rising FB among youth in Nigeria is found to be directly correlated to increase in violence and criminal activities. In view of the increasing call for ban of football and sport betting generally in Nigeria, the paper recommends that rather than criminalizing football or sport betting in Nigeria, the government should address widespread unemployment and poverty which continue to propel youths into betting.