State Gaming Regulators to clampdown on underage gaming, money laundering
By Uthman Salami
The Association of State Gaming Regulators (ASGR) has expressed its readiness to clampdown on underage gaming as well as money laundering by erring members.
The Association made this known through a press release which was signed by the Publicity Secretary, ASGR, Mr. Stephen M. Sawa.
ASGR which came into existence in 2017, comprises of “regulators from respective states of the federation. Member states of ASGR have a common purpose of adopting and maintaining best global practices in the regulation of gaming and other related matters in their respective states in Nigeria.
“In line with its statutory mandates, the respective States Gaming Regulators licence and regulates games of chance including Public Online Lottery, Online Sports Betting, Scratch Cards, Interactive Games, Casino, Gaming Machine, Pool Betting, other lotteries (Promotional Competition), other games and related activities in the applicable Federating State.
“In addition, the ASGR collaborates to enforce policies against underage gaming and anti-money laundering by erring operators.”
While citing the constitutional backing of ASGR, the statement read, “By virtue of Section 4(7) (a),(b),(c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), members States of the ASGR are empowered to legislate on matters with respect to items not listed on the exclusive list, jointly on the concurrent list and residual matters.
“To accomplish its set goals, the ASGR established guidelines to ensure stakeholders in the gaming and lottery industry meet global best standards and adhere to strict compliance with various State regulations.
“Note the ASGR is developing a unified and acceptable operating guideline for licensed operators.
“Our mission is to advance the effectiveness and efficiency of gaming and lottery regulations peculiar to member states and deliberate issues as it concerns the gaming industry.
“Furthermore, each jurisdiction has its own regulations and gaming measures are in place not only to ensure proper assessment and payment of taxes, but to ensure the integrity of gaming sector.
“In addition to determining eligibility for the issuance of gaming licenses in member states, one of the primary objectives of the ASGR is to ensure that all games introduced in the gaming environment are fair and cannot be manipulated either by operators or punters.
“To accomplish set goals, the ASGR established standardized guidelines to ensure stakeholders in the gaming industry adhere to stipulated standards and compliance with applicable regulations.
“The association is currently made up of twenty-one (21) active member States cutting across all geopolitical zones of the country.”
