Nigeria's gaming regulator denies information about unlicensed companies

The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), which is Nigeria's gaming regulator, has denied that 43 unlicensed companies have been banned from operating in Lagos State. 

Earlier, a notice of prohibition of operation was issued by the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA). The document stated that the companies' operations violated Section 33 (3) of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority Act 2021. According to the section, "a person without a valid license or permit from the authority shall not carry on any gaming activity in the state".

The national regulator said the LSGLA has "created confusion in the Nigerian gaming industry" and that it has been "inundated with inquiries on the status of operators labeled as 'unlicensed and illegal'."

According to a statement from the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, 21 operators out of the 43 that were listed in the LSLGA's application are holders of federal gambling licenses that are valid throughout the country. These include Zebet, Betika, Gobet, Msport, Afribet, Bangbet, Betwazobia, Korebet, 22bet, Paripesa, LiveScore Bet, Blavkbet/Betty Bingo, CloudBet, Hallabet, N1bet, Konfambet, Scratch2Win, Naijabet, Lottomania and Millionaire Powerplay.