The Nigerian gaming industry is poised to experience a transformation with the approval of the Central Gaming Bill, 2025, passed by the Senate. The Act is designed to replace the longstanding National Lottery Act and to provide a standardised regulatory structure for the entire country in terms of remote and online gambling. The legislation has reached the final reading following the presentation to the Senate by the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
The Senate examined the bill for the third time and passed it, making it a significant historical achievement in the legislation process. The bill is now awaiting transmission to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu. The signing of the Central Gaming Bill will subsequently cancel the National Lottery Act Number Seven of 2005 and the National Lottery Act Number Six of 2017.
During the session, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, declared, “A bill for the Act to repeal the National Lottery Act Number Seven of 2005 and the National Lottery Amendment Act Number Six 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 federation units and beyond the borders of Nigeria, provide for the conduct of gaming in the Federal Capital Territory and enhance revenue generation for the federation and for related matters, 2025 (HB 262) third reading taken and passed.”
The bill has been jointly driven by the House of Representatives and the Senate. At the House, the proposal was championed by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, and six other lawmakers.
Lawmakers cite Supreme Court guidance
While debating the bill, Bamidele Salam, who represents Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore, highlighted the legislative rationale. He stated that repealing the National Lottery Act aligns with the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on jurisdictional conflict. Salam noted that the court clarified the extent of federal and state powers in gaming regulation.
He recalled that the Supreme Court held that gaming, including lotteries and betting, falls within the legislative competence of states except in matters reserved exclusively for the federal government. These matters include cross-border or international gaming operations.
Salam explained further, “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 added that the bill aims to strengthen revenue systems for the government and improve operational transparency within the gaming sector.
According to him, “The Bill aims at improving the efficacy of revenue from gaming operations by rationalising the taxation and licensing costs associated with compliance, while promoting transparency and accountability in the payment of revenues, responsible gaming, and the prevention of gambling addiction and fraudulent practices.”
Salam expressed confidence that the bill will reduce disputes, enhance regulatory certainty, and strengthen investor trust in Nigeria’s gaming environment.
Longstanding dispute over gaming rights
The regulation of online gaming has long been a source of tension between federal and state authorities. Lagos State passed the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority Bill in April 2021. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assented to the law to regulate lotteries and gaming within the state.
However, disagreements resurfaced in October 2025. Lagos State criticised the National Assembly’s move to enact the Central Gaming Bill. The state argued that the federal initiative violated the Nigerian Constitution and ignored a subsisting Supreme Court judgment.
Lagos State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, warned that the bill amounted to legislative overreach. He described it as a potential trigger for constitutional conflict. Pedro stressed that the National Assembly lacked authority to regulate all online and remote gaming nationwide due to clear constitutional limitations.
He stated, “As the Chief Law Officer of Lagos State, it is both my constitutional duty and responsibility to draw the nation’s attention to the voyage of unconstitutionality embarked upon by the National Assembly to enact Act 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.”
Supreme Court’s landmark ruling
The Supreme Court ruling of October 2024 plays a central role in the ongoing debate. The apex court nullified the entire National Lottery Act 2005, declaring that the law violated constitutional limits. A seven-member panel ruled unanimously that the National Assembly lacked authority to legislate on lotteries and games of chance.
The court held that these powers rested exclusively with state legislatures. Justice Mohammed Idris delivered the lead judgment. He resolved the issues against the Attorney General of the Federation and granted all reliefs sought by the plaintiffs. The case was initially filed in 2008 by Lagos State and later joined by Ekiti and other states.
Justice Idris ruled that the National Lottery Act should no longer apply in states except the FCT. He explained that lotteries are not part of the Exclusive Legislative List, which outlines matters under federal legislation. This list contains 68 items, none of which cover lotteries or similar gaming activities.
The judge stated that the National Assembly, therefore, lacked authority to make laws regulating statewide lottery operations. He also declared that the National Assembly did not share concurrent powers with states on gaming matters. The ruling affirmed that state Houses of Assembly hold exclusive power over lottery regulation.
Furthermore, Justice Idris declared that sections 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 of the National Lottery Act 2005 were inconsistent with the Constitution. The court nullified the entire Act and issued a perpetual injunction restraining the Attorney General from implementing the law in the plaintiff states.
The extensive judgment detailed constitutional sections that limit federal powers and empower states. The decision strengthened states’ autonomy and laid the foundation for recent legislative debates.
Why the Central Gaming Bill matters
The Central Gaming Bill seeks to address gaps left by the nullified National Lottery Act. It aims to regulate online and remote gaming operations that cross state or national borders. It also proposes a structured framework for gaming within the FCT, where federal authority is recognised.
The bill attempts to harmonise state and federal interests. Lawmakers argue that the framework can prevent fragmented regulation in a fast-growing sector. They also believe it can improve revenue tracking, enhance consumer protection, and control illegal gaming activities.
The bill introduces clearer taxation models and compliance obligations. It also emphasises responsible gaming, an issue increasingly crucial in today’s digital gaming environment. Supporters argue that a modernised federal framework can strengthen investor confidence in Nigeria’s gaming sector.
Yet, critics insist that the bill risks reviving the same constitutional issues resolved by the Supreme Court. Lagos State remains vocal about its opposition and insists that the federal government cannot regulate gaming within states.
Future implications for Nigeria’s gaming landscape
If President Tinubu signs the Central Gaming Bill into law, Nigeria’s gaming landscape will undergo major reforms. The repeal of the National Lottery Act will complete a long-running legal correction. It will also formalise federal oversight of cross-border online gaming, a fast-expanding segment.
State regulators, however, will likely retain full control of lotteries and gaming conducted solely within their territories. The delicate balance between state autonomy and federal oversight will define the future regulatory structure.
The bill could reduce prolonged disputes if its implementation respects constitutional boundaries. It may also establish a reliable environment for operators seeking clarity on regulatory compliance.
Nigeria’s stance
Nigeria is entering a decisive period in gaming regulation. The Central Gaming Bill, 2025, represents a bold attempt to modernise oversight of online and remote gaming. The bill’s progress highlights the country’s drive to address jurisdictional disputes and adapt to industry growth.
However, the ongoing tensions between federal and state authorities remain significant. The Supreme Court decision of 2024 reshaped the legal environment. Any new law must reflect those constitutional limits.
As Nigeria awaits presidential assent, stakeholders watch closely. The bill’s outcome will shape regulatory authority, industry confidence, and the direction of gaming oversight nationwide.
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