The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) is committed to supporting the Association of Nigerian Bookmakers (ANB) but will enforce sanctions on operators who fail to pay their dues to the Federal Government (FG).
During a visit from the ANB in Abuja, NLRC Director General Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila emphasized the need for accurate and timely payments.
He raised concerns about non-compliance from some lottery operators, particularly those running unlicensed online casinos. “From now on, we will sanction those who don’t remit their dues or operate without the proper licenses,” he said.
ANB Chairman Sheriff Babatunde Olaniyan shared several issues affecting the association, including recent enforcement actions in Ibadan and Lagos, as well as concerns regarding high fees and tax regulations.
He argued that 98% of ANB members comply with NLRC regulations, insisting that the few non-compliant operators are not part of their association.
Olaniyan also called for clearer guidelines on remittances and advance notice before enforcement actions, but Gbajabiamila stated that no prior notifications would be given.
He stressed the importance of compliance with permit terms and indicated that strict enforcement would begin soon to address issues with non-compliant operators.
Regarding license fees, Gbajabiamila confirmed that the NLRC would not be lowering fees at this time, as only financially capable operators should be in the industry. He noted, “If necessary, we may begin revoking licenses to determine who is truly solvent.”
He also discussed the ongoing jurisdictional dispute between the Federal Government and Lagos State, affirming that all online lottery activities fall under federal authority. Gbajabiamila expressed the NLRC’s commitment to resolving these issues and welcomed collaboration with state bodies.
In closing, he reassured the ANB of the NLRC’s support and commitment to addressing their concerns, including requests for meetings with the Presidential Committee on new tax regulations. The meeting was attended by NLRC management and ANB representatives, including Olaniyan and other key members.
