Cross River State is intensifying its regulatory measures in the gaming industry by implementing new legislation aimed at clamping down on unlicensed online betting operators. This initiative follows the introduction of the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law 2025, recently signed by Governor Bassey Otu. The law empowers the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency (CRSLGA) to collaborate with major tech giants like Google to detect, block, and eliminate unauthorized betting platforms operating within the state.
The enactment of this law marks a significant step in Nigeria’s broader strategy to enhance digital oversight in its burgeoning betting sector. As part of this initiative, the CRSLGA plans to begin cooperative enforcement efforts with Google starting October 15. This partnership aims to streamline the process of removing non-compliant platforms, thereby allowing licensed operators to advertise legally in Cross River while ensuring that illicit sites are effectively removed.
Director-General of CRSLGA, Michael Eja, highlighted the challenges faced prior to this legislation, noting that previous enforcement actions were hindered by the lack of a robust legal framework to tackle operators without a physical presence in the state. With the new law, CRSLGA has the authority to request takedowns of illegal content and restrict advertising of non-compliant platforms, ensuring that market integrity and consumer protection are prioritized.
“This new legal framework is a game-changer,” Eja explained during a press briefing in Abuja on October 8. “It not only provides us with the tools to act decisively against unregulated operators but also ensures that players in Calabar and beyond have access to reliable and lawful gaming platforms.”
The move aligns with a growing trend in Nigeria, where regulatory bodies are forging alliances with technology firms to enhance digital enforcement capabilities. This development comes in the wake of Nigeria’s wider efforts to regulate digital advertising for gambling, with Google set to enable gambling ads in three Nigerian states, reflecting a trajectory of increased cooperation between tech platforms and regulators.
For licensed operators, the new system offers a major advantage, providing a level playing field by protecting them from the unfair competition presented by unregulated sites. The collaboration with Google promises more automated and transparent ad monitoring and enforcement, which is expected to further legitimize the market.
“Creating a fairer competitive environment for compliant operators is essential,” Eja noted, emphasizing the need for platforms that reliably fulfill their commitments to consumers.
The CRSLGA’s strategy is part of a nationwide push to harmonize gaming regulation across Nigeria. In a strategic move in May 2025, the agency joined the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN), which consists of 25 member states working towards a unified licensing system. This system allows operators licensed in one state to operate across all participating jurisdictions, with the aim of generating substantial shared revenue.
Under this agreement, an 11 percent tax on gross gaming revenues will be applied, along with a standardized annual operator fee of ₦100 million, to be implemented in 2026. To incentivize early compliance, the FSGRN is waiving licence fees for the current fiscal year, which is anticipated to boost internal revenue streams without increasing taxes on residents.
“Harmonizing licences not only reduces costs for businesses but also strengthens our revenue base,” Eja pointed out, “and those funds are crucial for local development projects like schools and roads.”
The CRSLGA has also announced plans to introduce routine audits, compliance reviews, and public advisories to ensure ongoing adherence to the new regulatory environment. Publishing lists of licensed and unlicensed entities is one of the steps planned to enhance transparency and enable consumers to verify the legitimacy of betting platforms.
These regulatory enhancements are expected to foster a more predictable business environment, potentially setting a precedent for similar reforms across Nigeria. As the betting market in Nigeria continues to grow rapidly, it faces ongoing challenges in curbing unlicensed activities, particularly from international operators. Cross River’s model of integrating enforcement with global technology platforms presents a pioneering approach that may be adopted by other states looking to tighten control over online gambling.
The broader implications of Cross River’s regulatory model could well influence the national landscape, offering a template for other states to enhance their digital compliance measures. This initiative comes at a time of policy tension between regional and federal authorities, as evidenced in ongoing debates about a central gaming bill.
Looking forward, the emphasis remains on balancing market growth with regulation. For Cross River, the initiative is a critical step toward modernizing gambling oversight in Nigeria. Licensed operators stand to benefit from the clear rules and robust enforcement that the new law provides, potentially encouraging further investment in the sector. Meanwhile, consumers gain improved protection against fraudulent sites, supporting a healthier and more sustainable betting environment.
Eja concluded by emphasizing the agency’s ongoing commitment to data collection, public education, and operator engagement to ensure that compliance and growth remain sustainable. The ultimate goal, he stated, is a competitive and transparent betting market where the interests of both the consumers and the state are safeguarded. As Nigeria continues to evolve its regulatory landscape, the question remains: will other states follow Cross River’s lead in bringing their gaming markets under stricter digital control?
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