The Federal Government of Nigeria's proposed "Central Gaming Act" is facing strong opposition from various state governments and the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN). The bill aims to establish a unified national gaming regulatory framework that covers all gambling activities across the country, including online gaming, physical gaming, and lottery operations. It has already completed three readings in the National Assembly and is entering the final stage of legislation.
According to the bill, a new National Gaming Commission will be established to issue and revoke gaming licenses nationwide and to abolish the current "National Lottery Act." However, the FSGRN points out that the bill clearly violates the November 2024 ruling of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The ruling explicitly states that gaming regulation belongs to the state governments, which should have the authority to enact gaming-related laws based on their own circumstances.
The FSGRN criticizes the bill as not only unconstitutional but also undermining the local governments' autonomy in regulating the gaming market. They warn that several provisions in the bill contradict the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and court rulings, and if forcefully implemented, could lead to a broader constitutional crisis.
Despite ongoing opposition, the National Assembly continues to push forward with the legislative process of the bill, sparking concerns about the balance of power between the federal and local governments.
The Nigerian gaming industry is currently regulated by the 2005 "National Lottery Act" and the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), but local state governments have long had their own gaming licensing systems, creating a dual-track system. This legislative intent to consolidate regulation has raised questions about federal overreach.
It is noteworthy that other major gaming nations in Africa are also adjusting their regulatory strategies. For example, Kenya implemented a 30-day ban on gaming advertisements in May 2025 and permanently banned celebrity endorsements of gambling advertisements, highlighting the region's growing focus on gaming compliance and social responsibility.
Whether the "Central Gaming Act" of Nigeria can be smoothly implemented within the constitutional framework remains a highly sensitive topic, reflecting the legal challenges and dynamics faced by the rapidly developing African gaming market.
