Nigeria’s Central Gaming Bill 2025 Faces State Resistance After Supreme Court Ruling

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Nigeria stands at a crossroads as federal lawmakers push for sweeping reforms to regulate gaming nationwide. The proposed Central Gaming Bill 2025 would shift control from state authorities to a new federal commission, but this initiative faces powerful resistance. State governments and the judiciary question whether such centralization is constitutional, especially after the Supreme Court’s recent intervention. Can the federal plan succeed, or will the 1999 Constitution and state prerogatives prove insurmountable obstacles?

Nigeria’s federal system divides authority between the central government and 36 states, each with its own legislative assembly. Historically, this separation has shaped how industries are regulated, including the gaming sector. In 2005, the National Lottery Act aimed to put gaming oversight under federal jurisdiction. However, state regulators and legal experts argued this move violated constitutional principles, which reserve certain powers for states. The Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN), representing 24 state governments, emerged as a key voice defending decentralized gaming regulation and local oversight.

 

After years of debate, a landmark 2023 Supreme Court decision declared the National Lottery Act unconstitutional, emphasizing that states, not the federal government, should legislate on matters of lottery and games of chance. This ruling set the stage for the current dispute.

The Central Gaming Bill 2025 aims to overhaul Nigeria’s gaming regulatory landscape. Its primary objectives are:

Supporters of the bill argue that technological advances have transformed Nigeria’s gaming market, making local regulation outdated. They emphasize that only a unified, nationwide approach can effectively manage risks, prevent illegal activity, and ensure consumer protection in a digital era where online platforms cross state borders with ease

 

For example, game shows that resemble classic television programs with prize draws are very popular today. The game studios themselves are located in other countries, but thanks to modern streaming technologies, players from Nigeria can easily access the games and bets directly. One of the most popular games of this format is Crazy Time live casino game: it features bright graphics and exciting gameplay.

In 2023, Nigeria’s Supreme Court delivered a decisive blow to federal ambitions. The justices ruled that the National Lottery Act was “ultra vires”—that is, beyond the authority granted to the federal government under the Constitution. The court declared that the power to regulate lotteries and games of chance belonged solely to state legislative assemblies. This decision underscored the importance of maintaining Nigeria’s federal balance and upholding the rule of law, limiting the federal government’s ability to override state jurisdiction in sensitive policy areas such as gaming.

 

The FSGRN has responded forcefully to renewed attempts at federal control. In a recent statement, the group called the Central Gaming Bill “nothing more than a repackaged version” of the nullified National Lottery Act. Legal experts, such as Chief Dr Francis Ubani, reinforce this view, warning that ignoring the Supreme Court’s decision would undermine the 1999 Constitution. These critics urge the National Assembly to respect legal precedent and avoid reintroducing a law through a change in name or structure. Their central argument is that only state-level regulation aligns with constitutional mandates and judicial rulings.

 

Despite ongoing legal disputes, Nigeria’s iGaming market is flourishing. Major operators—including Bet9ja, 1xbet, BetKing, NairaBet, and Betway—have seen remarkable growth. Thanks to widespread mobile phone usage and rapid fintech innovation, millions of Nigerians now participate in online gaming, lotteries, and sports betting. Industry analysts estimate that the sector will grow by at least 16% and could generate nearly $500 million in revenue by the end of 2025. This expansion has occurred even as regulatory frameworks remain unsettled, highlighting the market’s resilience and the urgency of clear, enforceable rules.