Nigerian Gambling Authority Chief Discusses Africa’s Rising Regulatory Challenges

The African gambling market is at a critical crossroads, facing rising challenges from illegal operators, fragmented regulations, and the need for unified action to prevent exploitative practices. Bashir Are, CEO of the State Lotteries and Gaming Authority in Lagos, Nigeria, stressed that only cross-border collaboration could solve the continent’s gambling-related woes.

Cracking Down on the Black Market Is Imperative

A recent Next.io report highlighted Are’s insightful contributions during the ICE Gaming Industry Conference in Barcelona, where he participated in the panel discussion “Navigating the Illegal Market: Cross-Jurisdictional Challenges in Identification & Enforcement.” The session also featured representatives of leading gambling jurisdictions from France, the UK, and the Philippines.

According to Are, noticeable and long-lasting progress would be impossible without joint efforts by African regulators to harmonize laws and combat illegal gambling operations. He advocated for partnerships between regulators, law enforcement, and justice departments, drawing parallels between the current situation and the continent’s broader history.

Twenty, thirty years ago, Africa was a dumping ground for toxic waste from all over the world. I think we are experiencing that now in the gaming sector too.

Bashir Are, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority CEO

African nations are especially vulnerable to black market operators, especially as internet access becomes readily available in more jurisdictions. Such companies prey on vulnerable populations and offer no consumer protections, leading to widespread gambling harm. Furthermore, black market entities do not contribute taxes and drain funds from local economies.

International Experience Can Be Invaluable

Are underlined some of Nigeria’s recent successes, such as the bilateral agreement between Lagos State and the country of Botswana, allowing joint persecution of illegal gambling entities. His comments closely follow a regulatory breakthrough in Nigeria, resolving a decade-long legal process on gambling regulation that should help the nation take further steps toward modernizing its gaming legislation.

Gilbert Remulla of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) shared some of his experience, revealing how the nation pushed back against a black market that once constituted 90% of gambling transactions. He noted that lower taxes for regulated operators, strict enforcement, and outreach programs successfully reduced this share to below 50%. Are echoed these statements, noting that Lagos was also taking similar measures.

Our laws now state that even if you operate offshore, if you have players in Lagos, they are considered state customers. If you don’t pay taxes on those customers, it’s a criminal offense.

Bashir Are, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority CEO

Are also highlighted plans to further enhance Lagos’ regulatory regime by introducing B2B operator licenses, following in the footsteps of other successful regulators. He hoped more African jurisdictions would learn from global regulatory leaders and recognize the value of international cooperation. Despite challenges, Are remained steadfast in ushering in fair and sustainable gambling across the continent.