Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, has advised young Nigerians to steer clear of sports betting, warning that gambling is not a sustainable path to wealth and can jeopardize their future.

Speaking during a sermon on Sunday, the cleric said many young people were wasting valuable time and opportunities by chasing quick financial gains through betting instead of focusing on productive pursuits.

According to Oyedepo, genuine prosperity is built on diligence, patience, and commitment rather than gambling. He stressed that while success may not come immediately, those who remain steadfast and work honestly will eventually reap lasting rewards.

He urged young people to abandon the belief that betting could guarantee financial breakthrough, describing the practice as a distraction capable of derailing their destiny.

The preacher also shared a personal testimony about gratitude, recalling that he bought a car for the woman who introduced him to Christianity when he was 15 years old. He said he presented the gift to her when he turned 60 as a way of appreciating her impact on his life.

Oyedepo’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the rising popularity of sports betting among young Nigerians, with religious leaders and social commentators increasingly warning about its financial, social, and psychological consequences.