Lagos claims gambling sites are operating without a licence

In a public notice, the LSLGA named a host of operators that do not hold the relevant licence or approval in the state. The LSLGA says operating without a licence breaches Section 33(3) of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority Law 2021.

Despite the LSLGA’s notice, many of the operators hold a licence from the official national regulator, the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), among them Zebet, Betika, GoBet, Msport, 22Bet, Afribet, BangBet, Betwazobia, Koretbet, Paripesa and Livescorebet.

The Lagos regulator also flagged SetLotto, Hamabet, Megabet, Sportbet.io, Oddspedia, NGAwin, Netbet, Nairamillion, Eliest Lotto, PeelsLotto, RiderLotto and BestBet360 as operating without a licence. None of these operators hold a licence in Nigeria, according to the NLRC’s public list. Other operators in this camp include Firstbet, Betxperience, Giveraffle, Wakabet, Betfarm, Chopbarh, PlentyMillions, Nairapowerbet, Gamespay and Xtragoalfantasy.

The LSLGA deems all of the above operators as not approved to offer gambling in Lagos. It is also urging players to cease gambling with any of the operators.

“The LSLGA wishes to reaffirm its commitment to regulating and promoting the Lagos gaming industry to ensure the interests of all stakeholders are adequately protected,” the LSLGA said.

Lagos in dispute with national regulator

A dispute of this nature between Lagos and the national gambling regulator has happened before. In May 2020, the LSLGA posted a notice declaring 10 gaming sites illegal in Lagos State despite their national licence.

In that instance the NLRC said that a national licence grants operators the right to offer gaming in Lagos State, which the LSLGA disputes.