The rejection of the Central Gaming Bill and a cooperative environment between states will propel Nigeria’s gambling sector into its next phase, according to Lagos state regulator Bashir Are.
In late 2025, Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejected the Central Gaming Bill, which sought to centralise regulation under a national commission.
The Central Gaming Bill’s approval would have directly contravened a 2024 Supreme Court judgment, which ruled that states – not the the federal government – should regulate lottery and games of chance in Nigeria.
Bashir Are, CEO of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA), believes the Central Gaming Bill is now “history”, citing both its unconstitutionality and its contradiction with Nigeria’s cooperative federalism, under which states collaborate rather than defer to federal oversight.
Responsibility will now rest with state regulators to come together to provide an attractive environment for operators.
Speaking to iGB, Are said: “The Central Gaming Bill is dead. But we also know we have to provide an easy and conducive operating environment for operators, so we adopt what is obtainable in Germany, Canada, the United States and other places that have similar constitutional federalism like Nigeria.
“We are giving operators a reciprocity arrangement. So, when you have a licence in Lagos, you can use it in another state. There’s a treaty now within the states, so you have one singular licence. When you apply for the licence, we share the licence fee among all the states, and by doing so, you can operate in those states.”
Youth-driven market in Nigeria
Nigeria is expected to challenge South Africa as Africa’s biggest gambling market, driven by a youthful population and rapidly expanding mobile penetration.
According to the World Factbook, around 41% of the population is aged 14 and under.
During his time as regulator, Are has witnessed the Nigerian market grow “exponentially”, with international investors comprising 60% of the LSLGA’s licensed operators.
“It’s really big, especially now that you can gamble from your phone,” Are said. “And investment is growing. We have companies that come and invest $10 million, $20 million.”
Are expects the LSLGA to take a leading role in coordinating state-level cooperation to foster a beneficial environment for operators.
“We make sure we are very transparent with the regulatory environment, so business is moving faster,” he added. “If you want to apply for a licence, you can get your licence within 30 days.
“We help you with the bank. We also protect you from other government agencies and local government, so you can have a very easy and conducive environment. And our taxes are very liberal too.”
Nigeria is expected to soon rival South Africa as Africa’s top gambling market.