Association of Nigerian Bookmakers

Governance and Leadership

ANB is governed by an Executive Secretary, currently Olabimpe Akingba, who has served in this role since January 2020. Akingba is an experienced legal practitioner with a background in the gambling and casino industry. Prior to her role at ANB, she held positions as Legal and Compliance Manager at Alvac (eight months), Senior Associate at WYS Solicitors (five months), and Legal and Compliance Manager of Winners Bookmakers Nigeria (three years and five months). She also served as a Legal Adviser for Afric-Nigeria Sports Affairs (six months in 2014), Associate at Brainfield Law Chambers, and Legal Intern at Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) and Co. Her leadership has been instrumental in navigating regulatory pressures, and she was shortlisted for the Global Gaming Awards Executive of the Year 2023 category for her work as a voice for Nigerian operators.

The association's LinkedIn page lists Sheriff Olaniyan as Founder, Investor & CEO, although this appears to be a personal profile designation rather than an official ANB executive role. The ANB website does not list a CEO or board of directors publicly. The association describes itself as "self-employed" in terms of type, indicating it operates as a member-driven organisation without a traditional corporate hierarchy.

Products and Services

As a trade association, ANB does not offer consumer-facing betting products. Instead, its key service offerings include: Advocacy and Representation – actively supporting key causes and policies on behalf of members to ensure their interests are considered in regulatory matters; Regulation and Compliance – ensuring members adhere to laws and guidelines and maintaining practices that meet required standards; Industry Development and Networking – fostering growth in the sector and building strong professional connections through events, training, and sensitisation campaigns; Consulting Services – working with betting companies to craft innovative marketing campaigns that elevate brand presence while resonating responsibly with audiences; and Information and Insight – providing members with up-to-date information, in-depth knowledge, and awareness of policies shaping the industry to help them make smart business decisions.

Industry Impact

The Nigerian betting and gaming industry supports thousands of jobs, generates significant government revenue, and provides entertainment to punters. ANB members contribute annually to statutory good causes that fund public welfare programmes. In 2022, the ANB worked with Gambling Alert to run a campaign focusing on problem gambling awareness in schools. The ANB-PAC (Political Action Committee) campaign was created for smarter and better regulation of the sports betting industry across Nigeria, aiming to achieve a clear, simple, and coherent regulatory framework.

Key Achievements

- Successfully advocated for fair regulations and industry standards. - Maintained regular dialogue with key decision-makers including the Nigerian Communications Commission. - Organised sensitisation campaigns and completed training programmes. - Participated in the Global Gaming Awards, with the Executive Secretary shortlisted for Executive of the Year 2023.

Challenges and Future Outlook

The Nigerian betting industry faces regulatory challenges, including the need for harmonised state and federal regulations, concerns about problem gambling, and taxation pressures. ANB's role as the collective voice of the industry positions it as a critical stakeholder in shaping the future of gambling regulation in Nigeria. The association's focus on balanced regulation, member-driven policies, and responsible gambling will be essential as the market matures.