Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners Chapel, has warned Nigerian youths against engaging in sports betting, describing it as a dangerous pursuit that cannot guarantee financial prosperity.
The renowned cleric gave the warning during a church service, where he urged young people to abandon betting and embrace hard work, patience and legitimate means of earning a living. His remarks, captured in a video that has since gone viral on social media, have sparked fresh conversations about the growing betting culture among Nigerian youths.
Oyedepo maintained that while many young people are attracted to sports betting in the hope of making quick money, the practice does not offer a reliable path to lasting wealth or success.
Sports betting not a path to prosperity
Speaking to members of his congregation, the bishop stressed that betting platforms should not be seen as a solution to financial challenges.
According to him, many young people are sacrificing their future by depending on games of chance instead of investing their energy in productive ventures that can create sustainable wealth.
“Young people, Naija Bet is not the way to financial fortune. Stop wasting your destiny, stop wasting your destiny, stop wasting your destiny. I have never been once deceived.
“Stop! Things may be slow but it’s sure,” the cleric declared during the live service.
His comments were met with applause from members of the congregation, with many agreeing that patience and diligence remain essential ingredients for long-term success.
Encourages patience and hard work
Oyedepo urged young Nigerians not to become discouraged if success appears delayed, insisting that achievements built on the right foundation often require time.
He explained that lasting prosperity is usually the result of consistency, discipline and commitment rather than shortcuts that promise instant riches.
According to him, people who remain focused on developing valuable skills, building businesses or pursuing legitimate careers are more likely to enjoy enduring success than those chasing quick financial gains through gambling.
The bishop has consistently preached messages centered on diligence, faith and responsible stewardship, encouraging members of his church to pursue excellence through lawful means.
Growing concern over betting addiction
Oyedepo’s warning comes at a time when sports betting has become increasingly popular among Nigerian youths.
Over the past few years, betting shops and online betting platforms have expanded rapidly across the country, making it easier for young people to stake money on football matches and other sporting events.
The rise of smartphones and internet access has also contributed to the growth of online gambling, with many betting companies offering mobile applications and promotional bonuses to attract new users.
While some individuals occasionally win money, experts have repeatedly warned that excessive betting can lead to financial losses, debt and addiction.
Parents, religious leaders and social commentators have also expressed concern about the impact of gambling on young people’s productivity, education and overall well-being.
Experts cite unemployment and economic hardship
The increasing popularity of sports betting has generated debates among economists, policymakers and youth development advocates.
Some economists argue that the country’s high unemployment rate and worsening economic conditions have pushed many young Nigerians toward betting in search of quick financial relief.
Others believe that the widespread desire for instant wealth has discouraged some youths from embracing entrepreneurship, vocational skills and other productive ventures capable of generating sustainable income.
Stakeholders have therefore called for stronger financial education, job creation initiatives and youth empowerment programmes to reduce dependence on gambling as a source of hope.
As discussions continue, Oyedepo’s message adds to the growing calls for Nigerian youths to reject the temptation of quick-money schemes and instead focus on building lasting success through hard work, perseverance and integrity.