Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority
- Founded
- 2004-01-01 in Lagos State, Nigeria
- Headquarters
- Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria
The Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) is the premier gaming regulatory body in Nigeria, responsible for licensing, monitoring, and enforcing all games of chance within Lagos State – the country’s commercial and entertainment hub. Established in 2004 and becoming functional in 2005, LSLGA operates under the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority Law, as amended in 2021, which harmonised previous gaming laws to align with global best practices. The Authority’s mandate covers lotteries, sports betting, scratch cards, interactive/online games, casino operations, gaming machines, pools betting, and promotional competitions. Its mission is to regulate the industry through modern technology and innovation, positioning Lagos as Africa’s gaming capital. LSLGA enforces responsible gambling, combats underage participation, and maintains a registry of licensed and unlicensed operators. With a workforce of 51–200 employees, the Authority also partners with international bodies such as iGaming Academy to deliver mandatory compliance training for operators. Recent initiatives include collaborations with the Africa Gaming Expo, Global Lab for tech innovation, and ARD to tackle underage gambling. The Authority is led by Chief Executive Officer Bashir Abiola Are, a veteran private- and public-sector executive with deep experience in technology, finance, and government administration.
Detailed Review
Legal Foundation & History
LSLGA was created by the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority Law to bring order and transparency to the rapidly growing gaming sector in Nigeria’s most populous state. The Authority began operations in 2005 with a single exclusive licensee, but the 2021 amendment consolidated all previous gaming statutes into one comprehensive framework, expanded the definition of gaming activities, and introduced stricter responsible-gaming regulations.
Regulatory Scope & Licensing
LSLGA issues operating licences for both physical and virtual platforms. Licensed categories include lotteries, sports betting, scratch cards, interactive games, casino gaming, gaming machines, pools betting, and promotional competitions. The Authority conducts surveillance, investigations, compliance audits, and law enforcement actions, including suspension, revocation, and termination of licences. It also collects licence fees, “Good Causes Money”, state royalties, draw levies, and gaming taxes.
Responsible Gambling & Public Protection
LSLGA enforces a strict no-underage-gambling policy (minimum age 18) and recently partnered with ARD to implement school-based interventions. The Authority mandates that all licensed operators and their staff complete annual training in responsible gaming and anti‑money laundering, delivered through its partnership with iGaming Academy.
Technology & Innovation
The Authority leverages modern digital platforms for licensing, compliance monitoring, and public engagement. It has partnered with Global Lab – announced at the Gaming Tech Summit (GTSA) 2026 – to explore innovative regulatory technologies. LSLGA also hosts the Africa Gaming Expo, a key industry event that brings together regulators, operators, and technology providers from across the continent.
Recent Developments (2025–2026)
In January 2026, President Tinubu declined assent to the central gaming bill; LSLGA CEO Bashir Are publicly supported the decision, arguing it preserves state-level regulatory autonomy. In September 2025, LSLGA issued a public notice refuting false online publications claiming the Authority had issued a directive contrary to its mandate. In April 2026, CEO Bashir Are spoke at the Africa Gaming Expo (AGE) 2026 on the theme “Africa’s Gaming Boom Outpacing Regulation”, emphasising that regulation shapes market behaviour. Also in 2026, LSLGA and Global Lab announced a partnership to develop new compliance and oversight tools.
Operator Performance
LSLGA maintains a public list of licensed operators (including Nigeria’s largest sportsbook, Bet9ja, which is licenced by LSLGA) and regularly names unlicensed operators – most recently 42 entities – to protect consumers and ensure a level playing field.
Key Products
Gaming Licences
Issuance and renewal of licences for lotteries, sports betting, casino, gaming machines, online gaming, and other regulated activities.
Compliance & Enforcement
Surveillance, investigations, compliance audits, law enforcement actions, and licence sanctions including suspension and revocation.
Responsible Gaming Programmes
Mandatory training via iGaming Academy, public awareness campaigns, and underage gambling prevention initiatives.
Technical Standards
Setting technical requirements for gaming platforms and hardware to ensure fairness and security.
Stakeholder Forums
Regular meetings with operators, suppliers, and other stakeholders to discuss policy and industry trends.
Africa Gaming Expo (AGE)
An annual trade event hosted by LSLGA to promote regulatory best practices and industry networking.
Good Causes Fund
Collection and disbursement of statutory contributions from operators for social development projects.
Offices & Headcount
125 employees (approx.)
Key Persons
Bashir AreChief Executive Officer
- Adetoun Adeyemi
Speaker