Lagos Lotteries Board Shuts Illegal Gaming Operator

The Lagos State Lotteries Board (LSLB) has shut an unlicensed sports betting centre, Totobet24, which was discovered at Ajah area of Lagos State.

The board said the clamp down was in exercise of its regulatory functions and continuous surveillance to detect illegal gaming operations in the state.

The Lagos State Lottery Law (as amended), established the agency in 2004 to regulate online lotteries and related gaming activities.

The Public Relations Officer, Mr Emmanuel Olaniran, in a statement, said the body had warned promoters of Totobet24 to desist from operating without a valid licence from LSLB, adding that heavy sanctions would be meted in accordance with the lottery law.

Olaniran said the operator disregarded LSLB’s notice and continued operating until the enforcement and closure of its administrative office.

“LSLB is the sole government agency responsible for regulating games of chance in Lagos State. Any organisation interested in conducting gaming activities such as public online lottery, sports betting, scratch card and interactive games, casino, gaming machine, pools betting, promotional competitions, charitable lotteries, etc, within Lagos State, must apply to LSLB for an operating licence prior to commencement of operations”.

“LSLB continuously intensifies monitoring and surveillance activities across the state to ensure sanitisation and stability of the industry.”

He urged the public to cooperate with the board in achieving the desired objective and vision for the industry by liaising with LSLB on all matters affecting the gaming industry in the state.