Nigeria Launches First Free National Gambling Harm Helpline

Nigeria has launched its first free national gambling harm support line in partnership with the African Responsible Gaming Network (ARGN), providing players with access to information and support for gambling-related problems.

The initiative also marks the launch of the ARGN’s Nigeria Chapter and forms part of the network’s wider work to strengthen player protection across the continent.

Launched in September, the ARGN aims to bring together responsible gambling initiatives that have previously operated independently, creating a more coordinated approach to player protection across Africa.

The helpline was introduced as part of the network’s November Africa Safer Gaming Month campaign, titled It Starts With You. This year’s campaign focuses on child protection and the shared responsibility to safeguard vulnerable communities in Nigeria and across the continent.

Independent Organisations Unite for Player Protection

The helpline launch was attended by several independent responsible gambling advocates, including Gabriel Joseph, founder of Gamble Aware NG; Ladipo Abiose Akolade, founder of Gamblepause Initiative Africa; and Seun Abimbola, director of the Responsible Gaming Against Addiction Foundation.

Akolade said the initiative represented an opportunity for organisations that had traditionally worked separately to coordinate their efforts around player protection.

“What makes this initiative particularly exciting is the coming together of independent responsible gaming organisations that have traditionally worked in silos, now united by a shared commitment to player protection,”

Akolade said in a LinkedIn post.

He highlighted the importance of independence from operator funding, arguing that it would support credible advocacy, independent scrutiny and collaboration on issues including age verification, underage gambling, self-exclusion and deposit limits.

“I strongly believe independence is fundamental to credible advocacy. We need a stronger, united voice for player protection, and we cannot afford to tackle these challenges in isolation,” he added.

The launch represents an expansion of coordinated responsible gambling activity in Nigeria, with the ARGN seeking to strengthen cooperation between independent organisations and improve access to player support.