The BCLB has begun cracking down on several betting firms, lotteries, and casinos, thanks to a directive from Dr. Matiang’I, the Interior Cabinet Secretary, that all betting firms had to be vetted again by Jul 1.
The board has decided to postpone the operational license renewals of 8 betting firms, 6 lotteries, and 13 casinos until this vetting exercise has been completed.
The BCLB has also rejected operational license renewal requests for nineteen betting firms that are currently awaiting security vetting procedures of their hierarchy and operations.
In order to streamline this sector, the Nigerian government will start regulating the affordability, accessibility, and availability of all kinds of gambling, including public lotteries, casinos (public gaming), and betting (bookmaking), which will make it significantly tougher for the general public to use all kinds of gambling.
This move by the government is aimed at restricting underage gambling access and enforcing responsible gambling.
The operational requirements of betting firms have been tightened as well, in order to restrict mushrooming firms that rob Kenyan citizens of their money.
As per the latest Interior Ministry reports, sustained and indiscriminate vetting exercises are being planned, which will be implemented in many gaming categories.
Additionally, the Ministry also stated that authorities wouldn’t hesitate to ban operators who weren’t in compliance with the government’s rules and regulations, no matter what category they belonged to.
The Government is also planning to roll out a cumulative review system, which will determine, upon expiry of licenses, whether firms are qualified enough to get their renewals sanctioned.
However, the Ministry has assured Nigerian business operators that it would provide a stable environment that would let them operate effectively.
Gambling…what’s your attitude?
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