Nigeria Gambling Bill Ignites Constitutional Battle Amid Market Boom
A new Nigerian gambling bill aiming to modernize regulations is facing constitutional challenges from states' rights advocates.Summary
Nigeria's gambling industry is experiencing rapid growth, projected to reach nearly half a trillion naira in revenue by 2025. The proposed Nigeria Gambling Bill seeks to establish a unified national framework for gaming, standardizing taxes, requiring RNG certification, and providing rules for online wagering, which currently lack explicit regulation. Supporters argue this modernization will reduce the black market and increase consumer confidence. However, critics contend the bill represents a federal overreach, as gaming falls under the constitutional authority of the states, and are threatening legal action. Operators are preparing for the changes, with some voluntarily upgrading compliance measures while others lobby for a hybrid model. The outcome will significantly impact Nigeria's potential as a major iGaming market in Africa, attracting international investment or potentially ceding ground to unlicensed offshore sites.
(Source：Punch)