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National Lottery Act

The House of Representatives has passed a Bill aimed at creating a comprehensive regulatory framework for online and remote gaming that extends beyond Nigeria's borders, repealing previous lottery acts. The proposed Central Gaming Bill seeks to address jurisdictional conflicts, enhance revenue generation, and promote responsible gaming while establishing a Central Gaming Commission for oversight. Key provisions include licensing, monitoring, and financial accountability measures to ensure a well-structured gaming industry in line with global best practices.

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Chidi Arinze
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70 views3 pages

National Lottery Act

The House of Representatives has passed a Bill aimed at creating a comprehensive regulatory framework for online and remote gaming that extends beyond Nigeria's borders, repealing previous lottery acts. The proposed Central Gaming Bill seeks to address jurisdictional conflicts, enhance revenue generation, and promote responsible gaming while establishing a Central Gaming Commission for oversight. Key provisions include licensing, monitoring, and financial accountability measures to ensure a well-structured gaming industry in line with global best practices.

Uploaded by

Chidi Arinze
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The House of Representatives has passed through second reading, a Bill seeking to

create comprehensive and harmonised regulatory framework for the operation and
business of all forms of online and remote gaming that transcend State boundaries
and extend beyond Nigeria’s borders.

The proposed legislation titled, “Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Lottery Act
No. 7 of 2005 and the National Lottery, Amendment, Act No. 6 of 2017, and to
Enact the Central Gaming Bill to Regulate the Operation and Business of all forms
of Online and Remote Gaming Across the Geographical Boundaries of the
Federating Units and beyond the Borders of Nigeria, Provide for the Conduct of
Gaming in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and enhance Revenue Generation
for the Federation and for Related Matters,” was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker,
Rep Benjamin Kalu and six other lawmakers.

Leading the debate on its general principles, at plenary on Thursday, Rep Bamidele
Salam informed his colleagues that the legislative proposal to repeal the National
Lottery Act No. 7 of 2005 and the National Lottery, Amendment, Act No. 6 of
2017 and enact the Central Gaming Bill aligns with the recent decision of the
Supreme Court on the conflict of jurisdiction between the Federal Government and
States, regarding the regulation of gaming.

He recalled that the Court clarified that gaming, including lotteries and betting,
falls within the legislative competence of States, except where it pertains to matters
within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, such as cross-border
or international gaming operations.

This ruling, the lawmaker said underscores the need for a comprehensive legal
framework that respects the constitutional division of powers while addressing the
realities of modern gaming, particularly online and remote gaming, which often
transcend State boundaries.

He also said the Bill provides a clear legal foundation for the conduct of gaming
activities within the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, where the Federal Government
retains regulatory authority.
He further stated that the Bill aims to improve revenue collection from gaming
activities by streamlining taxation, licensing fees, and compliance measures while
ensuring transparency, accountability in revenue remittance, and as well, promote
responsible gaming, prevent gambling addiction, and protect consumers from
fraudulent practices.

By harmonising Federal and State interests, the lawmaker expressed optimism that
the Bill will resolve existing jurisdictional conflicts, provide regulatory certainty,
and enhance investor confidence in Nigeria’s gaming industry.

“This will ensure clarity in regulatory oversight, prevent jurisdictional conflicts,


and promote a well-structured gaming industry that aligns with global best
practices. Regulate Gaming Activities in the FCT, in line with recent Supreme
Court decision, the Bill provides a clear legal basis for the conduct and regulation
of gaming within the FCT, where the Federal Government has exclusive
jurisdiction. This will ensure proper oversight, licensing, and compliance
mechanisms for gaming operators within the FCT.

“The Central Gaming Bill seeks to establish a comprehensive legal and


institutional framework for the regulation of all forms of online and remote gaming
in Nigeria. Part I establishes the Central Gaming Commission and its Governing
Board, Clauses 1–6, detailing the composition, tenure, and emoluments of board
members, as well as the powers of the Board.

“Part II, Clause 7, defines the functions and powers of the Commission, which
include licensing, monitoring, enforcement, and the promotion of responsible
gaming. Part III, Clauses 8–12, provides for the appointment of the Director-
General, Secretary, and other staff, along with conditions of service and retirement
benefits to ensure operational efficiency.

Part IV, Clauses 13–20, contains financial provisions, specifying the funding
sources of the Commission, expenditure plans, revenue-sharing mechanisms
between the Commission and State regulators, and accountability measures such as
annual reports and auditing. Part V, Clauses 21–48, regulates online and remote
gaming operations, establishing the licensing framework, penalties for unlicensed
operations, and requirements for financial reporting.

“It also mandates the creation of an online gaming central monitoring system and a
National Computer Emergency Response Team Platform for cybersecurity.
Additionally, this Part outlines restrictions on gaming activities, conditions for
appointing gaming agents, and measures for player protection.

“Part VI, Clauses 49–51, provides for offences and penalties related to illegal
gaming operations, including enforcement powers such as inspection and seizure.
Part VII, Clauses 52–53, grants the Commission authority to regulate gaming in
the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and ensure compliance with federal gaming
laws.

“Lastly, Part VIII, Clauses 54–64, includes miscellaneous provisions such as legal
protections for the Commission, indemnity of officers, regulatory powers of the
President, and repeal of existing laws. The Bill repeals the National Lottery Act
No. 7 of 2005 and the National Lottery, Amendment, Act No. 6 of 2017, ensuring
a seamless transition to the new regulatory framework.”

Thereafter the Bill was put to voice vote by the Speaker, Rep Tajudeen Abbas,
who presided over the session and passed

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