Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority
Public Notice: High Court Judgments Reaffirm Statutory Mandate
Recent landmark judgments from the High Court of Lagos State have unequivocally affirmed the statutory authority of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) under the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority Law 2021. The court held that all gaming operators servicing Lagos residents, whether physical, online, or remote are legally bound to comply with state licensing, registration, and tax obligations.
Key Rulings & Statutory Interpretations
- Unlicensed Operations are Illegal: Operating, maintaining, or promoting sports betting, casino, or online gaming services in Lagos State without a valid LSLGA operating license is unlawful.
- Extraterritorial & Remote Reach: Operators cannot bypass Lagos laws by locating administrative offices or servers outside the state. Acceptance of wagers from Lagos residents establishes full regulatory jurisdiction.
- Mandatory Statutory Fees & Good Causes Levy: LSLGA possesses full legal powers to assess, impose, and recover all license fees, penalties, and the statutory Good Causes Levy on gross gaming revenue.
- Financial Inspection & Audit Powers: LSLGA is legally authorized to access, inspect, and audit all operational and financial records of gaming operators to ensure precise fee assessment.
- Judicial Enforcement & Injunctions: The High Court issued perpetual injunctions restraining non-compliant operators from continuing business until full compliance is met.
Summary of Decided Cases (2026)
| Defendant Operator | Suit Number & Court | Presiding Judge | Key Court Orders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zegaming Nigeria Limited |
LD/5131CMW/2024
(Lagos High Court) |
Hon. Justice A.M. Ipaye | Operations declared illegal. Ordered to immediately register, submit financial statements, pay outstanding levies, and restrained by perpetual injunction. |
| Africa Betting Company Nigeria Ltd. |
LD/5129CMW/2024
(Lagos High Court) |
Hon. Justice (Dr.) R.O. Olukolu | Declared unlicensed operation unlawful. Directed to regularize licensing, remit back-dated levies, produce financial records, and cease operations. |
| Mozzartbet Services Limited |
LD/718CM/2024
(Lagos High Court) |
Hon. Justice A.M. Ipaye | Preliminary objection dismissed. Upheld jurisdiction over online operations accessible in Lagos. Declared operations illegal and awarded ₦500,000 fine. |
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE DIRECTIVE FOR ALL GAMING OPERATORS
All unlicensed sports betting, casino, lottery, and gaming platforms offering services within Lagos State are hereby directed to immediately suspend non-compliant activities and initiate regularization with the Authority. Continued defiance will attract immediate enforcement action, back-dated recovery of all levies, court injunctions, and prosecution under Section 85 of the Law.