Don’t patronise unlicensed gaming operators — Lagos Lotteries Authority warns residents
Abimbola Abatta
The Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority has distanced itself from 36 unlicensed gaming operators in the State.
Residents of the state were equally cautioned against staking and betting on the platforms, noting that the gaming companies are not licensed to conduct either retail or online gaming activities in Lagos State.
The above was disclosed in a press released signed by the Management, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, and made available to Nigerian NewsDirect on Wednesday.
The unlicensed gaming operators include Bestbet360, Msport, Hamabet, Lotto Nigeria, Bangbet, Booster 99, Bet Tika, Naira Million, Koretbet, HCG Home & Cars Giveaway Limited, Paripesa, Megabet, Bet365, Cloudbet, Zebet, Livescore Bet, and Interwetten.
Others are Tete by Tete Nigeria, Betfarm, Winfast, 22bet, Konfam Bet, Megamillions, Firstbet, Allcity Bet, Wow Lotto, Spin Lotto, Betarena, Betmojo, Lucky Box, Lucky Number, Ilotng, Totobet, Kanuribet, Riderlotto, and Mozzart Bet.
The statement reads in part, “The Lagos State Government derives its power to make laws regarding Lotteries and Gaming from the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As amended) on grounds that Lotteries and Gaming activities are matters not listed in the Exclusive list nor the concurrent list of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As amended).
“Thus, it is a matter that falls within the residual list and exclusive to the Jurisdiction of the various States in Nigeria based on judicial precedents and decided cases.
“The Lagos State Gaming and Lotteries Authority (Formerly known as Lagos State Lotteries Board) was established by the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority Law, 2021 to license and regulate gaming activities and other related matters in Lagos State.
“It is also empowered to license and regulate games of chance including public online lottery, online sports betting, scratch cards, interactive gaming, casino, gaming machine, pools betting, virtual games, other lotteries and other games in Lagos State.
“Evidently, by the provisions of the constitution and the enabling law, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority remains the appropriate regulatory body for all lotteries and gaming activities in Lagos State.
“The Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority remains committed to regulating, promoting and protecting the Lagos gaming market to uphold the interest of all stakeholders involved.
“Therefore, the good people of Lagos State and the general public are advised to desist from staking/betting on the platform of the organisations listed above.”
