The Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) has debunked assertions of the existence of Remote Gaming Licenses in Nigeria.
LASGA Chief Executive, Bashir Are, in a statement said the claims contained in an article published by BusinessDay newspaper were false and capable of misleading the international community regarding the regulatory landscape of gaming in Nigeria.
Are stressed that only state governments have the authority to regulate the gaming industry following the dissolution of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission.
Below is the full statement:
12th December 2024
The Corporate and Commercial Practice Group
The Trusted Advisors
14th Floor, Western House, 8/10 Broad Street,
Marina, Lagos
ATTN: Chiamaka Daniella Isibie
Dear Madame,
RE: MISLEADING INFORMATION ON REMOTE GAMING LICENSES IN NIGERIA
The attention of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) has been drawn to your recent publication, titled “Remote Gaming License in Nigeria: All You Need to Know,” published on the BusinessDay Newspaper on 12th December 2024 particularly page 20, which has been circulating widely on social media platforms.
We find it imperative to address the significant inaccuracies presented in your article, as its content risks misleading the international community regarding the regulatory landscape of gaming in Nigeria.
To clarify, there is no provision for a “remote gaming license” in Nigeria at the moment. Regulation of gaming activities in Nigeria falls squarely within the jurisdiction of state governments, as affirmed by constitutional interpretation and Supreme Court ruling in Suit No. SC/1/2008, Attorney General of Lagos State & Ors. vs. Attorney General of the Federation & Ors. Any direction or authorization concerning gaming activities can only be provided by state regulators such as the LSLGA. This position unequivocally excludes the defunct National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), whose relevance has been legally superseded in this regard.
Nigeria is currently in dire need of investments to foster job creation and economic growth. It is, therefore, essential to maintain clarity and accuracy in disseminating information that may influence potential investors. Publications like yours, when based on misinformation, undermine this goal and create unnecessary confusion within the gaming industry.
We also wish to remind you that any permits obtained from the NLRC are not valid for operation within Lagos State or any other state. Operators who are conducting business based on such permits are doing so unlawfully and are advised to regularize their operations without delay to avoid enforcement actions, including the shutdown of their businesses.
In the future, we encourage you and your organization to verify all information relating to gaming regulation with the appropriate authorities before publication. As the foremost gaming regulator in Nigeria, the LSLGA is available to provide guidance and accurate information on all regulatory matters within our jurisdiction.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We trust that you will take immediate steps to rectify the misinformation contained in the publication.
Yours sincerely,
Bashir Are
Chief Executive Officer
