In a recent announcement, the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) has taken a firm stance against a number of online gaming operators that it claims are operating illegally within Lagos State, Nigeria.
This statement reinforces not only LSLGA’s position but also that of the Association of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (ASGRN), which represents federating states across the country.
The crux of the issue lies in the violation of Section 33(3) of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority Law 2021, which explicitly states that
“a person without a subsisting license or authorization from the Authority shall not conduct or operate any gaming activity in the State.”
As a result, several organizations have been identified by LSLGA as operating without the required licenses in Lagos State.
The list of these organizations includes well-known names such as ZEBET, BETIKA, GOBET, MSPORT, AFRIBET, and many others.
According to LSLGA, the authority remains the pioneer gaming regulator in Nigeria, and its jurisdiction covers a wide range of gaming activities, both online and retail, including lottery, betting, casino games, and related games of chance.
This authority is derived from the Residual Matters of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as gaming activities do not fall under either the Exclusive Legislative list or the Concurrent Legislative list of the Constitution.
LSLGA’s position is further fortified by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which stipulates that in cases of inconsistency with other laws, the Constitution takes precedence.
This means that, according to the Constitution, LSLGA is the appropriate regulatory body for online and retail gaming activities within Lagos State, Nigeria.
The Authority asserts its constitutional competence to declare the above-listed gaming organizations as illegal and unlicensed, as they have failed to adhere to the provisions of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority Law 2021.
Consequently, the public is strongly advised to refrain from participating in betting or gaming activities on the platforms of these organizations.
LSLGA categorizes these gaming operators as illegal and unacknowledged entities, and their activities are seen as contrary to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and in violation of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority Law 2021.
All the organizations identified as unlicensed and illegal operators have been directed to promptly engage with LSLGA to regularize their gaming activities within Lagos State.
Failure to comply with this directive within 30 days from the publication of this notice will leave the Authority with no alternative but to initiate legal action against the said organizations.
LSLGA reiterates its unwavering commitment to the regulation and advancement of the gaming industry in Lagos State, aiming to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders involved in the sector.
This move serves as a clear message that unlicensed gaming activities will not be tolerated, ensuring that the gaming industry operates within the bounds of the law and the constitutional framework.
