Nigeria’s Federation of State Gaming Regulators’ (FSGRN) rejection of the Central Gaming Bill
Nigeria’s Federation of State Gaming Regulators (FSGRN) has reiterated its vehement opposition to the Central Gaming Bill 2025; a proposed legislation being pushed through the Nigerian National Assembly. The FSGRN has maintained its opposition to the bill despite its passage of the third reading. The FSGRN noted that it was particularly concerned with the legality of the proposed bill and its potential to conflict with constitutional judgments.
Historical context and legal challenges
This is not the first time this body has objected to legislation of this kind. The FSGRN has witnessed similar bills being struck down by courts in the past. The court decisions have declared such legislation “ultra vires,” meaning it is outside the legal power or authority of the legislature. The latest attempt to enact the Central Gaming Bill seeks to nullify a legislation that is already null and void, raising questions about its legitimacy.
In a clear articulation, the clarified, “The proposed Central Gaming Bill 2025 is nothing more than a repackaged version of the now-nullified National Lottery Act 2005. Both acts seek to establish federal control over the same subject matter, games of chance through licensing, regulation, and enforcement by a federal commission.” The organisation, comprising delegates from 24 state governments, is a constitutional body responsible for regulating gaming activities nationwide.
Supreme Court decision and its importance
Nigeria’s Supreme Court had earlier ruled against the nation’s previous national gambling law, the . The court nullified the act’s attempt to regulate gaming and lotteries across the country because the regulation of these activities should be left to the legislative assemblies of each state. The court’s ruling was based on the need to adhere to constitutional limits, which place legislative powers over gaming in the hands of the states not the federal government.
In December, the FSGRN applauded the Supreme Court’s ruling, reiterating its position that the regulation of games of chance and lotteries should be the concern of state governments.
What does the Central Gaming Bill do?
The Central Gaming Bill aims to establish a comprehensive national regulatory framework for all remote and online gaming activities. It allows for conducting gambling business within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and generating revenue from iGaming, both within the FCT and throughout the country.
Among the main elements of the bill is the establishment of a , which would have licensing authority and oversee the industry centrally. The bill addresses multiple types of gaming, including retail betting, lotteries, and online gambling, in line with the argument that the sector has transitioned online and now requires a single regulatory framework.
Opposition from regulators and legal issues
Despite the advocates’ arguments the bill has faced significant backlash from several notable agencies and legal experts. Critics argue that the bill disregards the rulings of the Supreme Court, which clearly state that the federal government lacks the constitutional authority to regulate gaming on a national level.
Chief Dr. Francis Ubani, a chartered tax practitioner, expressed concern to The Nigerian Post, saying, “We are confident that the leadership of the current National Assembly is very much aware of their statutory obligation to uphold provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. We therefore urge and implore the National Assembly, through the House of Representatives, not to go ahead with passing into law the Central Gaming Bill 2025, as doing so would be in total contravention of the 1999 constitution, and would be void and of no effect whatsoever. Finally, do not reintroduce the nullified National Lottery Act, through the back door, by change of nomenclature.” His words highlight the constitutional hurdles that the bill has to overcome.
Growing industry despite regulatory setbacks
Despite regulatory uncertainty Nigeria remains resilient and continues to grow. Operators such as Bet9ja, 1xBet, BetKing, NairaBet, and Betway have experienced growth, primarily by increasing mobile access and advancements in fintech. Nigeria’s iGaming market will increase by at least 16% and hit around $500 million in revenue by the close of 2025.
