SPORT BETTING AND CRIMINALITY IN MAKURDI METROPOLIS

Abstract The study examines sport betting and criminality in Makurdi Metropolis. The study was a survey design with questionnaire adopted as instruments of data collections. The study was anchored on structural strain theory. The findings of the study showed that although there might not be any empirical reasons for involvement in sport betting activities, however,poverty and hardship, high level of unemployment among the youths, boredom and increase passion for sporting games especially as it massages youthful exuberances and also the effect of peer pressure and the tendency to get rich quick by all means possible are the factors responsible for youth engaging in sport betting in Makurdi metropolis. The study discovered that Sport betting has been linked to risky personality, risky decision-making and pro-risk bchaviour. And also, sport betting is enjoyable and harmless for many people, but for others it can be both addictive and problematic with serious negative effects on the society. The study also showed that although there are certain laws regulating gambling activities in Nigeria and Benue state (Makurdi), however, they are not aware.of its applicability and enforcement. Laws in Nigeria are always treated with levity and frivolity both from the enforcers anad abusers. Some of laws includes; Nigerian Criminal Code Act, The Gaming Machines Prohibitions Act 1972, The casino Taxation Act 1965,The National Lottery Regulatory Commissions Act 2007. These laws provide penalties and punishments for playing illegal games, operating illegal gaming houses, operating illegal gaming machine and more. The study therefore recommended that government should regulate the establishment of betting centers and the medium and rate at which the organization make their unsolicited adverts. Also, sport betting should be declared illegal,and gamblers should be arrested and punished