ISLAMIC SOLUTIONS TO THE SOCIAL PROBLEMS OF GAMBLING AMONG MUSLIMS OF GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

In the last few years, the prevalence and widespread of gambling problems has become a nationwide concern in general and Gombe in particular. Gambling can be described as betting money or some form of properly on the outcome of a game or event that is ultimately based on chance. Gambling has become a way of life in Gombe and there is a high rate of gambling amongst its inhabitants especially the youth. The youth have been identified as an at risk group because many of them have increased freedom at this age and are frequent internet users and fall into the age group (18-40 years) where problem gambling peaks. The purpose of this study is to provide Islamic solutions to the social problem of gambling among Muslims in Gombe state. The main objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence of gambling among the people of Gombe state, and enlighten them on the position of gambling from the Islamic perspective with the addition of mentioning the motivation of gambling and its influence on the people in the State. Descriptive and historical methods were adopted in carrying out the research and interviews, observation among other techniques were used to collect the data among various gamblers especially the youths. The findings show that the prevalence of gambling is high in the sense that majority of the respondents indicated that they do gambling, the motivation of gambling was mainly money, poverty, unemployment and enjoyment and that gambling has an influence on Youths behavior. Based on these findings, this research work presented solid Islamic antidote which if carefully followed it can assist to drastically reduce the epidemic of gambling activities. Therefore, the current research recommends to government and other stakeholders to sensitize the youths on the effects of gambling, Religious leaders should preach on the negative effects of gambling particularly and immorality generally and that the parents should raise up their child based on moral and religious spirit.