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Amin Modad, the former Minister of Commerce and Industry, has called for a complete ban on all gambling activities, including sports betting, throughout Liberia. In a powerful public statement, he characterized gambling as a “pervasive epidemic” that is quietly damaging the Liberian society..
The ex-Minister highlighted how the rise of sports betting particularly impacts vulnerable groups, especially youth, who are often drawn in by the allure of quick riches but end up facing significant despair.
“The next issue that must be addressed and ultimately banned is sports betting/gambling, particularly in such an impoverished society as ours,” Modad wrote. “This has become a pervasive epidemic that is quietly yet devastatingly destroying our society. It is tearing apart families, destroying lives, and jeopardizing the future of our youth.”
“Preying on poverty, it offers false hope to those striving for a better life, only to leave them in deeper despair. As a consequence, a significant portion of our population experiences depression and anxiety, which in turn fuels addiction, crime and drug abuse.”
Gambling in Liberia Continue to Grow
Modad’s statement comes at a time when the popularity of sports betting in Liberia is rising. The number of gambling houses and betting centers has rapidly increased in both urban and rural areas, sparking heated debate about their effects on local communities and youth.
He compared gambling to substance abuse and emphasized that, while some view it as a personal choice, the consequences can be similarly damaging.
In addition to pushing for an outright ban, Modad suggests a comprehensive strategy that includes public education campaigns, stricter regulation, and enhanced mental health services to combat addiction. He looks to international examples, such as Singapore’s strict casino laws and Sweden’s emphasis on education and treatment, as potential models for Liberia.
Source: FocusNGN
