Key Moments:
- Governor Bassey Otu has signed the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law 2025, granting new enforcement powers to the CRSLGA.
- The agency will begin collaborating with Google on October 15, 2025, to monitor and remove unauthorized online betting sites.
- The Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) established an 11% tax on gross gaming income and a ₦100 million ($68,630) annual operator fee, effective from 2026.
Regulatory Authority Gains Strength through New Law
Cross River State has sharpened its approach to regulating the gaming sector with the introduction of the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law 2025. Signed by Governor Bassey Otu, this law enables the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency (CRSLGA) to lead a robust enforcement effort against illegal online gambling operations.
Under this legislation, the agency can now partner with global technology players such as Google to identify, block, and remove unauthorized platforms. These developments represent a significant advance in regulating digital gaming activities in the state.
Key Features of the 2025 Legal Framework
The CRSLGA’s new mandate allows for direct intervention against unlicensed online operators. The law also paves the way for a formal collaboration with Google, aimed at curbing illicit activity in the digital betting space.
At a media event in Abuja on October 8, CRSLGA Director-General Michael Eja described the agency’s reinforced authority. According to Eja, difficulties arose from older regulations that failed to address enforcement on platforms without a physical presence in the state. “The main issue was enforcement against online operators lacking physical presence in the state. That changed with the passage of the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law 2025, signed by Governor Bassey Otu earlier this year”
This legislative update allows the agency to request removal of violative content, set advertising restrictions, and enlist Google in legal proceedings against noncompliant platforms. The cooperation is set to take effect on October 15, 2025, ensuring that licensed operators can advertise legally, while unauthorized services will be taken offline.
Balancing Fair Market Access
The new regulatory structure ensures a level playing field for legitimate betting providers and safeguards against unlicensed operators. Eja maintains this provides a significant step toward a more equitable marketplace. “Players in Calabar and beyond deserve platforms that pay out reliably and follow rules. This setup lets compliant operators reach customers legally, while we handle the rest.”
Cross River’s approach encourages transparency and responsible gaming by permitting unrestricted advertising for licensed entities. CRSLGA’s partnership with Google will introduce greater automation and data analysis to the ad monitoring process, limiting unregulated activity across online channels.
Advancement in Harmonized Gambling Regulation
Cross River’s regulatory initiatives align with the nation’s push for more consistent oversight across Nigeria. In May 2025, the CRSLGA joined the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN), which now unites regulators from 25 states. The group’s major achievement is a reciprocal licensing arrangement that permits operators licensed in one member state to operate in all others.
Michael Eja noted the anticipated financial impact of the harmonized system, citing the potential for substantial revenue generation. This new regime introduces an 11% tax on gross gaming income and a ₦100 million ($68,630) standardized annual operator fee, both commencing in 2026.
| Regulatory Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax on Gross Gaming Income | 11% |
| Annual Operator Fee | ₦100 million ($68,630) |
| Fee Waiver for Current Year | Yes |
To incentivize fast compliance, FSGRN has opted to waive licensing fees for the current fiscal period. Eja stated: “Harmonising licences cuts costs for companies and boosts our internal revenue without raising taxes on residents. It funds local needs like schools and roads, real benefits for communities.”
Ensuring Transparency and Compliance
CRSLGA plans to undertake frequent audits, compliance checks, and public advisories. The agency will also release lists identifying licensed and unlicensed platforms, supporting consumers in making informed choices.
Routine monitoring is expected to foster mutual trust between operators and regulators. Moreover, transparent enforcement standards position Cross River as a model for other states seeking to raise compliance in their digital gaming sectors.
A Model for Digital Enforcement in Nigeria
Cross River’s strategy for regulating online gambling could influence how other Nigerian states approach unregulated digital gaming. Leveraging real-time monitoring and international technology partnerships, the state has established a comprehensive compliance process focused on content regulation and market accountability.
This framework represents a shift toward increased cooperation between local regulators and major technology companies, offering a transparent system for overseeing online gambling activities across Nigeria.
Innovative Oversight Sets New Standards
With the CRSLGA-Google partnership, Cross River is poised to detect and remove unauthorized gambling content efficiently. The designed system fosters fair competition for licensed operators and places consumer protection at the forefront.
Cross River’s approach may provide a blueprint for modern regulatory practices, emphasizing technology, compliance, and long-term stability within Nigeria’s growing online gaming industry.
- Author
Daniel Williams
