By Sarah NEGEDU
Authorities of the Federal Capital Territory Administration has declared zero-tolerance against underage gambling in the FCT, with a promise to sanction betting centres that permit such acts in their premises.
This decision follows the official launch of the FCT Lottery Regulatory Office, FCT-LRO, a body tasked with regulating and overseeing the gaming industry within the FCT to ensure a fair and transparent system.
Speaking at a joint press conference with the FCT Internal Revenue Service, FCT-IRS, on the commencement of the FCT-LRO’s activities, the Director-General of the FCT Lottery Regulatory Office, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, warned that any operator found facilitating underage gambling would face severe penalties.
“There is zero tolerance for underage gambling. Any operator caught allowing minors to participate will be penalized. We are building a gaming environment based on responsibility, regulation, and fairness.”
Gbajabiamila emphasized that move demonstrates the FCTA’s commitment to enforcing responsible gaming practices and preventing underage participation.
According to him, the regulatory framework is designed to protect vulnerable groups, particularly minors, boost investor confidence, while fostering a conducive environment for responsible gaming.
The new regulatory framework comes in the wake of a landmark Supreme Court ruling in the case of AG Lagos & Ors Vs AG Federation & Anor SC/1/2008, which affirmed that the power to regulate gaming and lottery activities within the FCT lies with the FCTA.
In line with this, the FCT-LRO has now taken over the regulatory responsibilities previously held by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, NLRC, with the FCTA assuming full control over gaming activities in the territory.
The Director General acknowledged that the regulatory transition might raise concerns among operators, but reassured stakeholders that it would not disrupt their operations.
“We recognize that this regulatory shift may provoke inquiries among stakeholders, and we encourage licensed operators to engage with us as we navigate this transition. Our goal remains to ensure clarity, stability, and fairness while upholding global best practices in gaming regulation,” he said.
He also clarified that all gaming licenses and permits issued by the now-defunct NLRC remain valid within the FCT for the remainder of their terms.
The FCT-LRO boss also assured that working closely with the FCT-IRS, the agency will create a more robust and transparent regulatory framework for gaming in the territory.
Gbajabiamila noted that the goal is not only to ensure proper oversight but also to stimulate economic growth and attract new investors to the FCT. “This directive presents an invaluable opportunity for the FCT to utilize its gaming industry for economic growth and social benefits, while also pursuing the objective of enhancing the industry’s reputation,” he said.
The Acting Executive Chairman of the FCT-IRS, Michael Ango, reiterated the economic potential of the gaming sector, emphasizing that the sector is poised to attract investment, enhance tourism, and generate much-needed revenue for the territory.
He noted that Abuja is increasingly becoming a popular tourist destination and the gaming industry can play a pivotal role in this transformation.
“We are all aware Abuja is becoming a tourist destination. We believe that one of the attractions of cities such as ours is that people come here for leisure, and I believe that the gaming industry holds a lot of promise for attracting investment into the FCT. That is the reason why we believe that this initiative is one that is for the overall benefit of the residents and the people of the FCT,” Ango stated.
In light of these reforms, Ango assured stakeholders that the FCT-IRS will collaborate closely with the FCT-LRO to ensure that gaming operations comply with tax regulations, creating a framework for efficient tax collection and responsible gambling practices.
He added that the FCT-IRS is also working on mechanisms that will require operators and agents to verify the identity of all participants, especially to prevent minors from engaging in gambling activities.
“Anyone not registered or verifiable, especially minors, will be restricted. Any operator who disregards this will face stiff penalties,” Ango warned.
