Bishop David Oyedepo has advised Nigerians, particularly young people, against relying on sports betting and lottery as a way of achieving financial success. In a statement circulating online, the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners’ Chapel, said people do not need to play Bet9ja and questioned the long-term impact that can be achieved through lottery.
“You don’t have to play Bet9ja. I have never seen anyone make an impact through lottery,” Oyedepo said. His comments reflect a broader warning he has made about betting as a perceived shortcut to wealth. A July 2026 report by FindMoreAfrica similarly quoted him as cautioning Nigerian youths against seeing betting as a route to financial fortune, urging them instead to pursue productive opportunities and develop skills.
Oyedepo Warns Against Betting as a Shortcut to Wealth
The bishop’s remarks come amid continuing concern and public debate over the popularity of sports betting among young Nigerians. Betting platforms have become increasingly accessible through mobile phones, making it possible for users to place wagers without visiting physical betting shops. Recent coverage by Punch also reported Oyedepo warning youths against betting, framing it as something that could cause them to waste their potential and “destiny.”
Oyedepo’s argument is centred on the difference between chance-based financial gains and creating lasting value. Rather than depending on the possibility of a winning ticket, his message encourages people to pursue productive work, develop useful skills and build sustainable sources of income. A separate commentary published by NBG Africa also discussed his recent position, noting that betting operates on a model in which bookmakers depend on the aggregate losses of bettors.
Betting Debate Continues Among Nigerian Youths
The comments have generated discussion online, with reactions ranging from agreement with the bishop’s warning to criticism from people who argue that economic hardship and limited opportunities contribute to the popularity of sports betting among young Nigerians. Social-media reactions show that the subject remains contentious, particularly among young people who see betting as entertainment or a possible source of quick income.
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Oyedepo’s latest remarks therefore add to an ongoing conversation about gambling, financial pressure and the search for economic opportunities in Nigeria. While his statement is explicitly framed from his Christian and pastoral perspective, the broader message is a warning against treating betting or lottery as a dependable strategy for building a meaningful future.
