By Alie Sonta Kamara
Executive Director of National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Esq, climaxed the second-panel discussion at the Africa Sportsbiz Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, on Friday, with a focus on sports betting, its benefits, and risks.
The NSA Boss started off by highlighting the significant opportunities that betting presents for the sports industry, including substantial taxation revenues for the state, job creation, technological advancements, increased attendance at games, and overall wealth generation.
Later, he drew the attention of attendees to the associated risks of sports betting, such as addiction, mental health issues, and the presence of unregulated operators. He emphasized the exponential growth of technology, including wearables and data analytics, which he believes can positively impact any economy.
To ensure a fair and transparent betting environment, he called for stringent sector regulation.
The NSA Boss advocated for public education through extensive awareness campaigns to inform individuals about the potential risks and benefits of sports betting.
Meanwhile, the Rwanda forum marked Dr. Abdulai’s third outing on the sport lecture front. He is leading a move to transform the sport industry of Sierra Leone, with key focus on reforms, using sports to create jobs, and enticing corporate bodies to participate in the development of sports.