Enugu joins states opposing Nigeria’s Central Gaming Bill
Critics point to the Supreme Court’s 2008 ruling in case SC/1/2008, which struck down the 2005 Act and affirmed states’ authority over gaming regulation.
Nigeria.- The Enugu State Gaming Commission has firmly rejected Nigeria’s proposed Central Gaming Bill (HB.2062), warning that it violates the Constitution and threatens state control over gaming revenue and regulation. In a statement issued on October 23, 2025, the regulator’s PRO, Nwanneka Udeh, said the bill ignores a November 2024 Supreme Court ruling that places lotteries and gaming under state authority. The Commission called on the Senate to reject the legislation to protect state autonomy and uphold the court’s decision.
Prince Arinze Arum, Executive Secretary and CEO, added that centralisation would disrupt Enugu’s established system for licensing, taxation and responsible gaming. He said: “This bill encroaches on state powers and would cut revenue we rely on for local development”, stressing that federal control would weaken Nigeria’s federal structure by reducing states’ financial independence.
Enugu State’s stance aligns with the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN)’s concerns about the bill. The state now stands alongside Lagos and others in defending constitutional limits on federal authority.
The Central Gaming Bill seeks to replace the National Lottery Act of 2005 with new federal rules, especially for online and remote gaming. The measure has been passed by the House and is currently pending approval by the Senate. Supporters say it modernises the regulatory framework to accommodate emerging gaming realities. However, critics point to the Supreme Court’s 2008 judgment in case SC/1/2008, which struck down the 2005 Act and affirmed states’ authority over gaming regulation.
