GambleAwareNG
- Headquarters
- Abuja, Nigeria
GambleAwareNG is Nigeria’s leading independent advocate for the prevention, early intervention, treatment and research of gambling‑related harm. Operating primarily in Abuja, the organisation provides free, confidential support to individuals and families affected by problem gambling via a national helpline (0704 858 9373), one‑on‑one counselling, support groups, and tailored recovery programmes. It also runs nationwide public‑health campaigns to raise awareness of the mental, financial and social risks of gambling, and offers evidence‑based tools such as the SafePlay self‑exclusion platform, which allows users to block themselves from all licensed gambling sites in Nigeria. GambleAwareNG’s website hosts educational resources, a gambler self‑assessment, and a directory of local support services. The organisation collaborates with mental‑health partners and treatment providers to coordinate a coherent national response to gambling harms, and conducts its own research to understand the psychological and societal dimensions of the problem. In addition to direct support, GambleAwareNG actively engages in policy advocacy—for example, publicly criticising fintech apps that push notifications encouraging gambling. The organisation is led by a small executive team with backgrounds in IT, hospitality consulting, and charitable work. Despite its relatively recent establishment, GambleAwareNG has positioned itself as Africa’s foremost gambling‑recovery organisation, handling thousands of helpline calls annually and working to embed responsible‑gaming practices within Nigeria’s rapidly growing gambling industry.
Detailed Review
GambleAwareNG (trading as GambleAwareng) was created to fill a critical gap in Nigeria’s gambling ecosystem: the absence of a dedicated, independent body focused solely on harm reduction. While the UK‑based GambleAware has a longer history and is now winding down due to a statutory levy, GambleAwareNG operates under a separate legal entity with its own leadership, programmes and partnerships.
Core Services
The organisation’s core services are grouped into five focal areas:
1. Campaigns – Nationwide public‑awareness drives that highlight gambling’s health impacts and promote community‑based support. 2. Advice, Tools & Support – Clear, reliable information to help individuals make informed decisions, including early‑warning signs and risk management. 3. Gambling Support – A free, confidential helpline receiving over 5,000 calls annually, supplemented by face‑to‑face counselling, support groups, and personalised recovery plans. 4. Research – Rigorous, evidence‑based studies into the psychological, behavioral and socioeconomic consequences of gambling in Nigeria. 5. SafePlay Self‑Exclusion – A verified platform that enables users to exclude themselves from all licensed gambling operators in Nigeria, thereby limiting access and reducing harm.
Public Engagement and Advocacy
The organisation’s presence on Instagram and Facebook extends its reach, posting recovery stories, helpline reminders and educational content. In one December 2025 Instagram reel, the founder of Nigeria’s “first gambling rehabilitation centre” (likely an affiliated or same entity) shares a personal recovery story, reinforcing the lived‑experience ethos of the organisation. GambleAwareNG has also engaged in public policy, particularly in slamming fintech apps that link users directly to gambling platforms via push notifications. This advocacy underscores its role as a watchdog in Nigeria’s digital gambling landscape.
Leadership and Structure
Leadership is documented only partially. The “About Us” page lists Melvin Gabriel as Director of Partnerships and also references Melvin Akpabio (likely the same person) with a background in IT and hospitality consulting. No CEO, CTO, CCO, COO or Founder is explicitly named on the organisation’s own site or in any verifiable third‑party source. The Instagram reel mentions a founder of a rehabilitation centre but does not name the individual in connection with GambleAwareNG.
Headquarters and Website
Headquarters is listed as Abuja, Nigeria. Official website: https://gambleaware.ng/.
Key Products
Public Awareness Campaigns
Nationwide campaigns on gambling’s health impacts, often run with local partners.
Research & Survey Initiatives
Large-scale data collection efforts, including an African-wide survey on gambling addiction with a target of 5,000 respondents.
Gambler Helpline
A free, confidential telephone support line handling over 5,000 calls annually, offering immediate crisis support and referral to counselling.
SafePlay
A self-exclusion tool that enables individuals to block themselves across all licensed gambling platforms in Africa.
One-on-One Counselling & Support Groups
Free, private therapeutic services focused on healthier behaviours, financial stability, and emotional well-being.
SafePlay Self‑Exclusion
A digital tool that allows users to self‑exclude from all licensed gambling platforms in Nigeria, helping to block access and reduce relapse risk.
One‑on‑One Counselling
Professional, private sessions with trained therapists to address underlying issues and develop healthier behaviours.
Support Groups
Peer‑led recovery meetings for individuals and families, both online and in‑person.
Research Programme
Evidence‑based studies on gambling’s impact on mental health, finances and society in Nigeria.
Key Persons
- Gabriel Joseph A.
Speaker