Nigeria state regulators remain opposed to Central Gaming Bill 2025
Summary
The Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) has formally rejected the Central Gaming Bill 2025, arguing it is essentially a repackaged version of the now-nullified National Lottery Act. Although the bill passed a third reading in the National Assembly and seeks to create a National Gaming Commission to centrally regulate online and remote gaming, the FSGRN and legal precedent from the Supreme Court hold that states — not the federal government — have authority over lotteries and games of chance.
The bill would cover retail, lotteries and online iGaming and includes provisions to regulate gambling in the Federal Capital Territory and to capture revenue across state borders. State regulators say the proposal contravenes the Supreme Court ruling that struck down the National Lottery Act and is therefore ultra vires.
Source
Key Points
- • FSGRN says the Central Gaming Bill 2025 is a rebranded version of the nullified National Lottery Act and rejects it.
- • The bill seeks a national regulatory framework for all online and remote gaming and proposes a National Gaming Commission with licensing powers.
- • The Supreme Court previously ruled federal regulation of lotteries was invalid; it held state assemblies should regulate games of chance.
- • The bill has already cleared its third reading in the National Assembly despite opposition from state regulators and legal precedent.
- • Key industry operators (Bet9ja, 1xbet, BetKing, NairaBet, Betway) continue to grow amid mobile and fintech advances; Nigeria’s iGaming sector is forecast to reach roughly $500m in revenue by end-2025.
Why should I read this?
Short and blunt: federal lawmakers are trying to centralise gaming control again, states are not having it, and the Supreme Court’s past ruling makes this a legal headache waiting to happen. If you work in payments, compliance, licensing or run an operator with Nigerian customers, this could change who you answer to — or leave you in limbo. Worth five minutes to know where the risk and opportunity lie.
Content summary
The article details the FSGRN’s response to the Central Gaming Bill 2025, explaining why the regulator views it as unconstitutional and a repeat of the National Lottery Act 2005. It outlines the bill’s scope — nationwide oversight of retail, lotteries and online gaming plus a National Gaming Commission — and contrasts that with the Supreme Court’s decision that such powers reside with state legislatures. The piece also notes industry growth drivers and revenue forecasts despite regulatory uncertainty.
Context and relevance
This story matters because regulatory jurisdiction determines licensing, tax collection and enforcement. A federal takeover would reshape compliance obligations across states and could disrupt existing state frameworks. For investors and operators, the dispute increases legal risk and regulatory uncertainty in the largest African iGaming market, even as market revenues climb due to mobile penetration and fintech innovation.
Author style
Punchy: the report highlights a direct legal clash that could force another Supreme Court test or prolonged political standoff. Read the detail if you need to assess compliance, market entry or political risk in Nigeria’s gaming market.
Article meta
Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2025 11:06:13 +0000