Blacklisted Betting Operators in Nigeria

Why Are Betting Companies Being Blacklisted in Nigeria?

The Lagos regulator says the listed sites are “unlicensed” in Lagos under LSLGA gaming regulation, and asks residents to stop using them. In 2025, its “Unlicensed Gaming Operators” page lists 37 brands including Betwinner, Msport, Betika, 22Bet, Zebet, Livescorebet, and more.

Lagos Unlicensed Gaming Operators

Historically, many of those operators held federal approvals — NLRC official betting license, and pushed back publicly when Lagos issued a 43-site notice in 2023. NLRC said at least 20 of the 43 had valid federal licenses, which stirred a broader “NLRC vs LSLGA” debate.

Then came the courts. A Federal High Court once leaned toward the NLRC’s nationwide authority. But on November 22, 2024, the Supreme Court invalidated the National Lottery Act and held that lotteries and gaming fall within state jurisdiction (with NLRC limited largely to the FCT). That ruling reframed what “legal betting in Nigeria” looks like in 2025.

• LSLGA says state law (2021) requires a Lagos license to operate inside Lagos;
• Several brands insist they are federally licensed and argue Lagos overreached in 2023;
• The Supreme Court’s 2024 decision means state licenses control outside FCT Abuja;
• Operators must align to state rules where their customers reside;
• LSLGA’s notice effectively labels these brands as “unlicensed betting companies Nigeria” under Lagos law;

Full List of Blacklisted Betting Companies

Below is the list of blacklisted bookmakers Nigeria sourced directly from LSLGA’s public notice (2025). Where NLRC previously claimed a federal license (Oct 2023), we mark “Yes”. Note: following the Nigeria betting court ruling (Supreme Court, Nov 22, 2024), an NLRC license alone does not authorize operation in Lagos without LSLGA approval.

• LSLGA’s names and status are taken from its 2025 “Unlicensed Operators” page;
• NLRC “Yes” reflects the Commission’s October 2023 note naming 20 federally licensed brands;
• Post-2024, operating in Lagos requires betting license Nigeria issued by LSLGA;
• For a broader national view, cross-reference 2023 coverage by Gambling Insider and Punch;

Licensing Conflicts Between NLRC and LSLGA

• NLRC issues licenses on a federal level, historically claiming national coverage;
• LSLGA (under the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority Law, 2021) requires a separate state license;
• The Supreme Court (Nov 22, 2024) sided with the states, limiting NLRC’s reach to the FCT and voiding the National Lottery Act nationwide;
• Before 2024, a Federal High Court had favored NLRC’s nationwide power;
• After 2024, state regulators (like LSLGA) hold the reins in their territories;
• This reversal explains today’s Nigeria betting license dispute;
• Expect continued operator-state negotiations over legacy federal permits;

State vs Federal Regulation – Who Has the Final Say?

Lagos authorities argue the Constitution leaves lotteries and gaming on the residual (state) list, giving them power to police local markets and enforce a Lagos betting company ban when firms lack state approval. Federal regulators historically pointed to the National Lottery Act, but that Act was struck down. Practically, the court’s decision implies operators now need state licenses (e.g., LSLGA in Lagos), while NLRC’s role persists in the FCT and for legacy matters in federal domains. Expect legislative wrangling over a new central framework.

• If you offer bets to Lagos users, you need an LSLGA license;
• NLRC licensed operators are recognized in Abuja but must still observe state rules elsewhere;
• The National Assembly’s 2025 “Central Gaming Bill” push faces strong state resistance;
• The regulatory map can still change via future statutes or new litigation;

Industry Reactions and Impact on Operators

Lagos authorities argue state rights give them power to control local gaming markets; federal regulators point to national laws like the National Lottery Act and the NLRC’s nationwide mandate; in practice, the latest court interpretation has been read by many to imply that betting operators need only federal licenses for now, pending legislative clarification or further appeals; this uncertainty could trigger legislative changes or a negotiated federal–state accommodation;

• Operators holding an NLRC official betting license are, for the moment, treated as sufficiently licensed nationwide;
• LSLGA maintains that a Lagos-specific approval is still required, keeping the dispute alive;
• The National Assembly’s 2025 debates may codify a single framework or reaffirm dual licensing;
• Watch for new court filings that could re-define federal vs state betting laws Nigeria;

What This Means for Bettors in Nigeria

• Always verify licenses with the state regulator where you live (e.g., LSLGA) and note any NLRC official betting license if you’re in Abuja;
• Avoid banned betting sites in Nigeria as listed by your state regulator, even if a site once had a federal approval;
• Monitor state and federal news for court updates and policy shifts;
• Report unresolved disputes to recognized authorities rather than only to the operator;

What’s Next? Legal Updates & Possible Reforms

Nigeria’s lawmakers are debating whether to unify licensing under one framework again. For now, Nigeria gambling regulation is decentralized: each state (including Lagos) controls entry, while NLRC’s scope focuses on the FCT. International investors want clarity, and operators seek predictable compliance paths. Whether a central bill can pass constitutional muster after the Supreme Court ruling remains uncertain.

• A potential “one-stop” national framework would reduce duplication and cost;
• States are defending their constitutional turf after the 2024 decision;
• Expect more coordination tools (e.g., LSLGA’s SafePlay self-exclusion portal launched August 6, 2025);
• Near-term: multi-state licensing will be the operational norm;