Nigeria’s Central Gaming Bill 2025: A Legislative Rehash Amid Legal Challenges
Nigeria’s latest Central Gaming Bill 2025 is drawing comparisons to the now-defunct National Lottery Act, raising eyebrows despite previous Supreme Court rejections of similar regulations.
The Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) has once again voiced strong objections to the National Assembly’s attempts to advance the Central Gaming Bill 2025. This legislation aims to create a unified regulatory framework for both online and remote gaming across the nation and has successfully passed its third reading in the legislative process.
However, history seems to be repeating itself. This isn’t the first instance of the FSGRN witnessing a court nullify a gaming-related bill. The Supreme Court has previously deemed such efforts “ultra vires,” indicating they exceeded legal boundaries, particularly in relation to repealing a law previously invalidated.
“The Central Gaming Bill 2025 appears to be merely a rehashed version of the National Lottery Act 2005, sharing the same governmental control and oversight over games of chance,” stated a representative from the FSGRN. This body represents 24 state governments in Nigeria, tasked with regulating gaming activities.
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court invalidated the National Lottery Act’s authority to oversee gaming and lotteries nationwide. It ruled that state legislative bodies, rather than the federal government, should oversee lotteries and games of chance.
In the aftermath of this ruling, the FSGRN had expressed support for the Supreme Court’s clarification on gaming regulations.
What Does the Central Gaming Bill Encompass?
The new bill aims to lay down comprehensive regulations for all online and remote gaming activities. Key elements include provisions for gambling operations within Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the facilitation of iGaming revenue across state lines. It proposes the creation of a National Gaming Commission that would centralize licensing authority for various gaming formats, including retail and online offerings.
Proponents argue that with the gaming sector increasingly shifting online, a centralized regulatory framework is crucial.
Controversy Surrounding the Bill
In a nation governed by a written constitution, actions that disregard Supreme Court rulings threaten to undermine the very legal framework that upholds democracy. Several influential entities have raised concerns that these considerations were overlooked during the bill’s reintroduction.
Chief Dr. Francis Ubani, a chartered tax expert, emphasized the National Assembly’s duty to respect the constitutional mandates of Nigeria. He urged lawmakers to reconsider the bill, warning that enacting the Central Gaming Bill 2025 would contravene the 1999 Constitution, rendering it null and void. He cautioned against the possibility of reintroducing the National Lottery Act under a different title.
Despite mounting opposition and delays in establishing formal regulation, leading gaming operators like Bet9ja, 1xbet, BetKing, NairaBet, and Betway continue to flourish in Nigeria. This growth is largely attributable to enhanced mobile access and advancements in financial technology. The iGaming market in Nigeria is anticipated to expand by at least 16%, potentially generating around $500 million in revenue by the end of 2025.
In the face of these developments, Nigeria’s gaming landscape remains dynamic and contentious, as stakeholders navigate the complexities of regulation and growth.