On 6 August Nigeria’s Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) launched SafePlay, a national self-exclusion portal where players can voluntarily exclude themselves from all licensed gambling platforms in the state.
Nigeria’s iGaming stakeholders convened at the Regent Luxury Suites, Ikeja Lagos to discuss and roll out the initiative, which further cements LSLGA’s commitment to protecting vulnerable players and ensuring the industry remains transparent in its activities.
During the launch, the authority discussed Safeplay’s operational framework, compliance requirements, the long-term aims of the initiative and its sustainability with media, stakeholders and public interest groups.
One key component of the initiative is offering users access to professional third-party support services during self-exclusion periods or times of vulnerability. That ensures these individuals receive guidance and help when they need it, promoting their well-being and safety.
Nigeria’s SafePlay tool puts ‘well-being at the heart of regulation’
Speaking to iGB on the launch, former National Lottery Regulatory Commission Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Fasan Oluyemisi stressed the need for such a tool to be put in place in Nigeria. The campaign to combat problem gambling continues in not only Lagos, but the country in general.
“I must say, I am genuinely delighted to see this commendable initiative by LSLGA. As a regulator, this reflects a deep commitment to player protection and responsible gaming,” Oluyemisi said.
“It goes beyond revenue generation. It is placing people and their well-being at the heart of regulation. I believe this will serve as a positive example for other industry stakeholders to follow.”
Notably, she said the tool, which is available across many markets globally, empowers individuals to take control of their gambling behaviour and minimize the risk of addiction.
“This kind of proactive, preventive measure is exactly what we need in today’s fast-evolving gaming environment. It acknowledges that while gambling can be a form of entertainment, it also carries risks that must be responsibly managed.”
“Many people battling gambling addiction often suffer quietly, as the signs are not always visible, unlike substance abuse. That is why raising awareness and providing access to tools like SafePlay is so important, It offers individuals the opportunity to make informed, healthy decisions, without fear, shame or blame.”
LSLGA upholding consumer welfare rather than revenue
The SafePlay initiative shows the regulator is not only focused on revenue generation, Oluyemisi said.
“It demonstrates care, foresight and leadership. I truly commend the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority for this thoughtful and timely step. Let us all keep raising awareness and driving this important conversation forward until responsible gaming becomes the standard across our industry.”
Lagos has emerged as a very active hub for operators, driven by the country’s growing online gambling market.
Privately operated player protection tools are also available in the market, including BetBlocker, a top-rated app which helps players restrict their activity across a number of operators. It also offers parental control tools to ensure access to gambling sites is restricted for those under the legal age.
It also enables operators to provide access to responsible gambling tools to prevent players from becoming addicted.
In July, Nigeria’s Central Gaming Bill 2025 was opposed by the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria after it was called “nothing more than a repackaged version of the now-nullified National Lottery Act 2005”.
The National Lottery Act 2005, which established a national gambling regulator, was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2024 in favour of a state-by-state regulatory framework.
The SafePlay self-exclusion tool launch shows Nigeria regulator is not only focused on generating revenue, industry expert Fasan Oluyemisi has said.