Edo Lottery Commission Declares Stake.com Illegal, Says It's Unlicensed, Unauthorized To Conduct Betting, Gaming

.              Okiye
Hendrix Oliomogbe 

Authorities of Edo State Gaming and Lottery Regulatory Commission (ESGLRC) in collaboration with the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) have declared all gaming operations of Stake.com unlawful in the state and throughout the 24 member states of the federation.

In a statement weekend in Benin City by the chairman, Hon. Frank Okiye and made available to journalists, he explained that  the action became necessary due to the failure of State.com to register, declare its operations and remit applicable gaming taxes and levies despite receiving multiple compliance notices over the past two years. 

Hon. Okiye, a former speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly disclosed that Stake.com is neither licensed by ESGLRC nor any of the 24 member states that make up FSGRN.

He advised members of the public to stop wagering on Stake.com and use only duly licensed operators, while banks, fintechs and digital platforms have been advised to conduct proper regulatory due diligence. 

He defended the commission's action, insisting that it is aimed at protecting consumers and minors, strengthening market integrity and ensuring compliance with Nigerian gaming laws and tax obligations.

While warning members of the public from patronising the platform for either betting or other gaming activities within Edo State, the chairman warned that law enforcement agents from ESGLRC and FSGRN will take action against Stake, its directors and any businesses facilitating its operations, including payment providers, financial institutions, advertising platforms and influencers. 

Hon. Okiye said: “Stake.com is hereby regarded by the Commission as an unlicensed betting and gaming operator in the state. It is unlicensed and not authorised by the Edo State  Lotteries Regulatory Commission to conduct betting, gaming or lottery-related activities within Edo State."

Hon. Okiye reiterated the determination of the commission to ensure a transparent, responsible, and properly regulated gaming environment that protects the interests of Edo people, promotes responsible gaming and supports legitimate operators throughout the state.

Hon. Okiye stated that all operators offering betting, gaming,  lottery or related services to Edo people and residents are required to obtain the appropriate licence and regulatory approval from the competent state regulatory authority before commencing or conducting operations within the state.

The chairman noted that the regulatory position of the commission is based on the constitutional and legal framework governing lotteries, betting and gaming in Nigeria, including the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in Attorney-General of Lagos State & Ors v. Attorney-General of the Federation & Ors (SC/1/2008), delivered on 22 November 2024, which affirmed the constitutional authority of states to regulate lotteries, betting and gaming within their respective jurisdictions.

According to him, the judgment reinforced the principle that operators seeking to provide gaming services within a state are required to comply with the applicable state licensing and regulatory requirements.

Hon. Okiye said: "The commission’s position is also consistent with the regulatory framework and coordinated approach promoted by the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN), particularly with respect to state licensing, regulatory compliance and responsible gaming."

The chairman advised Edo people and residents to discontinue patronising Stake.com and to engage only with betting, gaming and lottery operators that are duly licensed and authorised to operate within the state.

Among others, he further cautioned betting agents, payment service providers, financial institutions, advertising agencies and platforms, media organisations, influencers and other individuals or entities against facilitating, advertising, promoting, processing or otherwise supporting the activities of unlicensed gaming operators within the state.

Hon. Okiye warned that any operator or entity found to be facilitating or promoting unlicensed betting or gaming activities will be subject to appropriate regulatory and enforcement measures in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, adding:

The statement continued: "This regulatory action is aimed at:protecting consumers and vulnerable persons, particularly minors;promoting responsible gaming practices; safeguarding the integrity of the gaming industry; ensuring compliance with applicable licensing and and regulatory requirements; promoting proper tax and revenue compliance; and creating a fair and transparent operating environment for duly licensed gaming operators in Edo State."