Online bingo is technically legal in Nigeria for residents to access, though the regulatory framework operates at state rather than federal level following a landmark 2024 Supreme Court ruling (1). The court determined that gambling regulation falls under exclusive state jurisdiction, voiding the National Lottery Act and eliminating federal oversight through the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (2). No state has explicitly legalized online bingo operations within its borders, yet the absence of specific prohibition allows residents to play offshore platforms legally while the market remains largely unregulated.
Players in Nigeria can legally access international online bingo platforms without facing criminal prosecution, as state and federal gambling laws do not explicitly ban participation in offshore games (1). However, operating unlicensed online bingo within Nigeria remains illegal under the Gaming Machines (Prohibition) Act 1977 and the Nigerian Criminal Code, which prohibit unregistered gambling businesses (2). The Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) oversees 65 licensed gaming entities at the state level, but online bingo specifically has not been addressed through dedicated licensing frameworks, leaving operators in a legal grey area.
"In a landmark decision, the Nigerian Supreme Court has ruled that state governments alone have the authority to regulate lottery and gaming activities across the country. The ruling nullifies the National Lottery Act and reaffirms the constitutional authority of states to oversee these industries within their jurisdictions."
Nigerian states have responded differently to the 2024 Supreme Court ruling, with predominantly Muslim northern states implementing stricter enforcement against all gambling activities through Islamic law provisions and morality police operations (2). Lagos State maintains the most developed regulatory framework for gaming, actively licensing operators and warning unlicensed businesses to either regularize their operations or face prosecution (2). Until individual Nigerian states establish specific licensing pathways for online bingo operators, residents remain free to access offshore platforms while domestic online gambling remains technically prohibited outside explicit state authorization.
Source:
https://iclg.com/practice-areas/gambling-laws-and-regulations/nigeria
https://next.io/news/regulation/supreme-court-ruling-nigeria-gaming-regulation/
Last updated: 01-11-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
