The Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) has declared Stake.com an illegal operator in Nigeria and ordered it to stop targeting the country.
The notice, issued jointly with the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FGSRN), said Stake was not licensed by LSLGA or by any of the FGSRN’s 24 member states.
LSLGA also alleged that the operator had failed to register, declare or pay monthly gaming taxes and levies, despite receiving ten formal notices over the past two years.
The regulator and FGSRN said they would pursue enforcement action against Stake, its directors and other parties supporting its operations. Those parties could include payment companies, advertising platforms and financial institutions.
“LSLGA and FSGRN remain committed to protecting Nigerian consumers, safeguarding minors, preserving market integrity and ensuring that gaming operators comply fully with applicable State laws and tax obligations,” the regulator said. It also urged Nigerian players to use only licensed operators.
Stake remains accessible
Stake was still accessible to players in Nigeria at the time of writing.
The website identifies Medium Rare N.V. as its owner and operator. The company is registered in Curaçao and holds a licence issued by the Curaçao Gaming Authority.
Stake has also faced allegations that it formed part of a “sophisticated network” promoting illegal gambling across multiple jurisdictions, including the UK. Research released earlier this year by Entain said Stake, Rainbet and Duelbits were using influencers, global football celebrities and streaming platforms to reach UK consumers.
Stake is the sleeve sponsor of Everton and has previously signed ambassador agreements with Iker Casillas, Sergio Aguero and Eden Hazard.
Bejay Patel, Managing Director of UK and Ireland at Entain, said the research “raises serious questions about whether regulators and enforcement agencies have the powers and resources needed to tackle the highly coordinated illegal gambling promotion effectively, particularly across global social media platforms.”
Stake previously operated in the UK through a white label agreement with TGP Europe. It was later forced to leave the market following a controversial marketing stunt involving adult film star Bonnie Blue.
Nigeria’s regulatory dispute
The action comes amid an ongoing dispute over who should oversee Nigeria’s gambling market. Attempts had been made to pass a Central Gaming Bill that would have moved control to the federal level.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declined to sign the bill at the end of January, reinforcing the position that federalising gambling regulation would conflict with Nigeria’s constitution.
LSLGA said its notice against Stake relied on the constitutional authority of states to regulate lotteries, betting and gaming, as confirmed by a November 2024 Supreme Court ruling.
