FSGRN warns Senate against central gaming bill
The bill, currently under Senate scrutiny, aims to establish a national body to license and tax gaming operators, including online platforms.
Nigeria.- The Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to block the Central Gaming Bill (HB.2062) from applying beyond the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), warning that it encroaches on states’ rights and could drain their budgets.
The FSGRN, representing gaming authorities across Nigeria’s 36 states, delivered their petition this week, citing a 2024 Supreme Court ruling. In the landmark case of Attorney General of Lagos State & 21 Others v. Attorney General of the Federation & 16 Others, the court ruled that the National Lottery Act of 2005 was unconstitutional, effectively dissolving the National Lottery Regulatory Commission. It declared lotteries, betting and gaming as “residual” matters, granting states exclusive authority outside the FCT, where federal law governs.
The bill, currently under Senate scrutiny, aims to establish a national body to license and tax gaming operators, including online platforms. FSGRN leaders warn that this move defies the court’s decision and could strip states of millions in revenue.
Vice Chairman Olajide Boladuro emphasised the importance of the issue: “This fight goes beyond legality. It’s about fairness and ensuring states can survive financially. Gaming fuels Nigeria’s fast-growing economy. If the federal government seizes control, what’s next? States deserve to manage industries that sustain their people.”
States currently operate their own licensing systems, collecting taxes that fund essential services. For example, Lagos channels gaming revenue into public transport and health clinics. The FSGRN estimates that a federal takeover could cost states billions of naira annually, hitting places like Oyo and Enugu hardest, where these funds bridge budget gaps.
However, some federal lawmakers advocate for the bill, arguing that online betting’s cross-state nature makes it a federal issue, like commerce. They claim a unified national framework would streamline regulations, curb illegal platforms and boost tax collection. One lawmaker, involved in drafting the bill, said: “This will clean up the industry and bring more money to the entire country.”
The FSGRN counters that the bill mirrors the defunct lottery law and insists that even online gaming falls under state jurisdiction, per the Supreme Court. They urge the Senate to revise the bill for FCT-only application or scrap it entirely.
