National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) Blast Lagos for Blacklisting Some Licensees as Illegal Operator
The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) has noted with dismay, series of publications recently by the Lagos State Lotteries Board (LSLB) discrediting some Federal Government licensed lotteries and gaming companies conducting business in Lagos State, without due regards to their status as holders of national licences.
Here is the Lslb press release posted on their social media channel:
The NLRC said on Thursday that it was particularly concerned with the publication that listed many of its licensees as illegal operators in Lagos State. “Another case in point is the publication stating that Zoomlifestyle lottery scheme was illegal, discouraging Lagosians from participating in the scheme,” the statement said.
The NLRC noted that though it would not join issues with the LSLB on this matter, it, however, considers it necessary to offer some clarifications in order that the Nigerian gaming public as well as other industry stakeholders are not misled, but be properly guided.
“Truthware Solutions Limited (Zoomlifestyle lottery), GabLotto, Give ‘n’ take, MLotto, WesternLotto, WescoLotto, Chopbarh, Betbiga, Betwinner, and Bet24hrs are bonafide licensees of the NLRC, having completed the rigorous and due process of obtaining Lottery license and gaming permits.
“As the apex regulator of lotteries and gaming in Nigeria, the NLRC is not in doubt of its mandate and powers as conferred on it by the National Lottery Act 2005 which is the contemporary law governing lottery and gaming activities in modern Nigeria. “Any operator licensed by the Federal Government has the right and is free to conduct the business of Lottery and gaming in any part of the federation (Lagos State inclusive).
“The plethora of court judgments (which substantiate the above assertion) to the effect that holder of the National Lottery Licence does not need to obtain any other license to operate in any other state of the Federation is still subsisting. Members of the public are advised to visit our website for a full list of licensed Lottery and gaming companies in Nigeria.
“The issue of the LSLB blacklisting holders of National Lottery Licence, therefore, does not arise. “The general public, in the interest of all industry stakeholders, is hereby encouraged to continue to patronize and participate in lottery and gaming schemes conducted anywhere in the country by holders of National Lottery Licence,” it said.
Here are the words of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to the Lagos State Lotteries Board on Twitter:
The National Lottery Regulatory Commission,NLRC has noted with dismay,series of publications recently by the Lagos State Lotteries Board, @lslbng discrediting some Federal Government licensed lotteries and gaming companies conducting business in Lagos State,
Without due regards to their status as holders of national licences.
2. Of particular concern is the publication that listed many of the said NLRC licensees as illegal operators in Lagos State. Another case in point is the publication stating that Zoomlifestyle lottery scheme was illegal, discouraging Lagosians from participating in the scheme.
3. While not trying to join issues with LSLB @lslbng on this matter,NLRC considers it necessary to offer some clarifications in order that the Nigerian gaming public&other industry stakeholders are not misled but be properly guided.
4. Truthworth Solutions Limited (Zoomlifestyle lottery), GabLotto, Give ‘n’ take, MLotto, WesternLotto, WescoLotto, Chopbarh, Betbiga, Betwinner, and Bet24hrs are bonafide licensees of the NLRC, having completed the rigorous and due process of obtaining Lottery license and gaming permits.
5. As the apex regulator of lotteries and gaming in Nigeria, the NLRC is not in doubt of its mandate and powers as conferred on it by the National Lottery Act 2005 which is the contemporary law governing lottery and gaming activities in modern Nigeria.
6. Any operator licensed by the Federal Government has the right and is free to conduct business of Lottery and gaming in any part of the federation (#Lagos State inclusive). The plethora of court judgements (which substantiate the above assertion) to the effect that holder of the National Lottery License does not need to obtain any other licence to operate in any other state of the Federation is still subsisting.
Members of the public are advised to visit our website for full list of licensed Lottery and gaming companies in Nigeria.
8. The issue of the LSLB @lslbng blacklisting holders of National Lottery Licence therefore does not arise. The general public, in the interest of all industry stakeholders, is hereby encouraged to continue to patronise and participate in lottery & gaming schemes conducted anywhere in the country by holders of National Lottery Licence.
SIGNED Management
Gbajabiamila, DG, National Lottery Regulatory Commission