Makinde warns gaming operators against illegal practices

By Adeola Badru Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has warned gaming operators against illegal practices and regulatory non-compliance, saying such activities threaten government revenue, undermine fair competition and erode public confidence in the industry. Makinde said operators must comply strictly with the state’s gaming laws as technological advancements and the expansion of digital platforms continue to create new opportunities and regulatory challenges in the sector.

The governor spoke on Thursday while delivering the keynote address at the seventh Annual Stakeholders’ Interactive Forum organised by the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a fair, transparent and accountable regulatory environment that would encourage legitimate investments while protecting players and the general public.

“Our position as a government is clear. Economic growth must be encouraged, businesses must be allowed to thrive within the law, and the interests of the public must remain protected. “These objectives are essential to building an industry that is productive, responsible, and sustainable,” he said. The governor noted that technological developments, particularly online gaming platforms and mobile applications, had transformed the industry, creating opportunities for investment, employment, innovation and revenue generation.

However, he said the developments had also introduced fresh regulatory and consumer protection challenges that required effective supervision and stronger safeguards. According to him, the industry’s contribution to economic development depends largely on the ability of regulators and operators to balance commercial expansion with accountability and public interest.

Makinde described the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board as critical to maintaining stability in the sector, stressing the need for effective supervision, enforcement of licensing requirements and decisive action against illegal operators. He, however, cautioned that regulation should not become an obstacle to legitimate businesses, insisting that fairness, transparency and consistency must guide the government’s engagement with industry operators.

He urged the board to strengthen its institutional capacity, improve engagement with stakeholders and deploy modern technological tools to enhance monitoring, enforcement and regulatory compliance. Makinde also charged operators to make compliance an integral part of their business operations rather than treat it as a mere statutory requirement. He specifically urged them to maintain valid licences, fulfil their tax and levy obligations, keep accurate business records and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements.

The governor warned that non-compliance could undermine the credibility of the industry, encourage unfair competition, weaken regulatory oversight and deprive the government of revenue needed for development. On consumer protection, he emphasised the need to protect vulnerable individuals and prevent underage participation in gaming activities. He added that the growing use of digital platforms required stronger safeguards against cybersecurity threats, consumer exploitation, inadequate transaction monitoring and other compliance risks.

The governor further noted that accurate reporting and improved compliance would help curb revenue leakages, promote transparency and increase the industry’s contribution to Oyo State’s economic development. Earlier, the Director-General of the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board, Hon. Olajide Boladuro, described the forum as a demonstration of stakeholders’ collective commitment to building a responsible, transparent and sustainable gaming industry.

Boladuro commended Makinde for his support for good governance, institutional accountability and the development of the gaming and lottery sector in the state. He said the industry offered significant opportunities for investment, job creation and revenue generation but stressed that its potential could only be fully realised through a regulatory framework that prioritised compliance, public protection and stakeholder confidence.

The forum featured panel discussions on three major issues affecting the industry: “Over-Regulation or Revenue Trapping: Incentivising Industry Growth”; “Corporate Social Responsibility in the Gaming Industry”; and “The State of iGaming Regulation in Nigeria: Stalemate or Progress.”