The Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority has directed MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom, T2 and licensed value-added service providers to verify the licensing and tax compliance status of gaming businesses using their platforms in the state within 30 days.
The directive also requires the affected companies to submit transaction records, carrier billing data and revenue-sharing information for gaming operators covering the period from November 22, 2024, to the date of the authority’s public notice.
The authority said the exercise would help establish gaming taxes, statutory levies and other payments due from operators, including applicable penalties and interest.
It also directed telecommunications operators and value-added service providers to stop onboarding gaming businesses that cannot demonstrate valid state licences and suspend existing services that are not duly authorised.
The regulator clarified that approvals issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission for telecommunications or value-added services do not constitute authorisation to conduct or facilitate betting, lottery or other gaming activities in Lagos State.
It said the requirement applies to gaming businesses operating through telecommunications networks, value-added service aggregators, carrier billing platforms and other intermediaries, regardless of whether the intermediaries directly operate the gaming services.
The authority cited the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority Law 2021, which restricts the operation and facilitation of gaming activities without the required state authorisation.
Section 33(3) of the law prohibits unlicensed entities from conducting gaming activities, accepting wagers, deploying gaming equipment or undertaking other specified activities connected with gaming operations in the state.
The authority also referenced Section 101(5), which provides for potential liability for both a company and its directors, managers or other principal officers where an offence is committed with their consent or connivance, or is attributable to their neglect.
It advised telecommunications companies, value-added service aggregators and other intermediaries to exercise due diligence to ensure their platforms are not knowingly or negligently used to facilitate unlawful gaming activities.
The regulator warned that it would issue statutory notices and pursue available enforcement measures against operators and other entities found to be non-compliant after the 30-day deadline expires.