Enugu gaming regulator launches online licence verification tool as state vs federal debate intensifies

Arinze Arum, Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Commission (ESGC), used the opening of the Enugu Gaming Conference 2026 to unveil a real-time licence verification portal for operators. The platform allows regulators, operators, investors and the public to check whether a gambling business holds a valid Enugu licence. According to the commission, the portal displays licence categories, validity periods, approved operator domain names, regulatory contact details, enforcement actions and a blacklist of unlicensed entities.

Arum described the tool as a step towards greater transparency and trust in state-level oversight. "It demonstrates how state regulators can implement digital compliance tools while maintaining international standards," he said. However, a central theme of his address was opposition to what he termed the "quiet centralisation" of gaming powers through proposals for more uniform national rules. He argued that gambling regulation falls under state constitutional authority, citing Supreme Court precedent.

His comments highlight a persistent tension in Nigeria's gaming industry, where state and federal authorities continue to navigate overlapping jurisdictions. Operators face a patchwork of compliance requirements, including anti-money laundering duties and licensing obligations, as the market grows.

The broader Nigerian gaming landscape has seen several recent developments. Lagos State has begun enforcing a 5% withholding tax on gambling winnings, the International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) opened a regional office in Lagos, and BC Game launched its licensed operations in the country.