Sports betting in Nigeria has long been recognized as a legal activity, initially regulated under the National Lottery Act of 2005 and overseen by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission at the federal level. This framework laid the groundwork for transparent operations and federal oversight (1).
However, on November 22, 2024, the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered a landmark judgment in Suit No. SC/1/2008, Attorney General of Lagos State & Ors. vs. Attorney General of the Federation & Ors., affirming that the power to legislate and regulate gaming resides exclusively with state governments, thereby limiting the central commission’s scope (1).
"The Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) applauds the landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in Suit No. SC/1/2008, Attorney General of Lagos State & Ors. vs. Attorney General of the Federation & Ors. delivered on the 22nd November, 2024. The Court in a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Muhammed Baba Idris JSC granting the eleven (11) reliefs sought by the Lagos State Government."
In response to this decision, state regulatory bodies such as the Oyo State Pools Betting, Gaming, Casino and Lotteries Board have become the primary licensing authorities for sportsbooks, enforcing rigorous due diligence, compliance checks, and consumer protection measures within their jurisdictions (2).
Source:
https://lslga.org/supreme-court-nullifies-national-lottery-act-national-lottery-regulatory-commission-nlrc-in-landmark-judgement/
https://gamingboard.oyostate.gov.ng/
Last updated: 22-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
