Gambling in Lagos is regulated by the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) under the LSLGA Law 2021. Lottery shops, casinos, online sportsbooks and online casinos all need a Lagos licence. In September 2026 the LSLGA named Stake.com, bet365 and others as illegal operators. Since February 2026, licensed operators have deducted 5% withholding tax from winnings at payout and asked players for their National Identification Number (NIN).
Lagos is home to more Chinese residents than anywhere else in Nigeria, so this page focuses on its rules. It is for readers aged 18+ only and is not legal or tax advice.
Lagos gambling licences by category
Key points
- Regulator: the LSLGA, which replaced the Lagos State Lotteries Board and covers land-based and online gambling.
- Unlicensed gaming is illegal: section 33(3) of the LSLGA Law 2021 bars anyone without a licence from running gaming in Lagos.
- Offshore servers are no excuse: Lagos High Court rulings say any operator taking bets from Lagos residents needs a Lagos licence.
- Illegal list: the September 2026 register names 40+ companies, including Stake.com, bet365, Bwin, N1Bet and Helabet.
- Winnings tax: 5% is deducted automatically at payout and paid to LIRS. A NIN is required.
- Self-exclusion: SafePlay launched on 6 August 2025 and covers every Lagos-licensed platform.
What the LSLGA is
The Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority was set up under the LSLGA Law 2021 to replace the old Lagos State Lotteries Board. It oversees both land-based and online gambling: it issues licences, collects levies, handles complaints and acts against unlicensed operators. Lagos brought the case that led the Supreme Court, on 22 November 2024, to give gaming to the states, and it remains one of the most active enforcers. For the national picture, see our guide to Nigeria’s gambling laws.
Licence types and the register
LSLGA licence categories include online sports betting, online casino, public online lottery, land-based casino, gaming machines, pools betting, B2B supply and gamification. The official register is the “List of Licenced Operators” page on lslga.org, and that page is the final word.
A reading of the official register by the third-party site gamblingmaps.org on 20 October 2026 counted about 186 licences held by 181 companies:
| Licence category | Number |
|---|---|
| Online sports betting | 87 |
| Land-based casino | 18 |
| Online casino | 13 |
| Online lottery | 13 |
| B2B supply | 6 |
| All other categories | 49 |
Before you sign up anywhere, check the company name and website domain against the official register. We list only operators whose licence we can verify; see licensed betting sites compared.
The September 2026 illegal-operator list
Around 10 September 2026, the LSLGA published a register of illegal gaming operators listing more than 40 companies and their trade names. Those named in press reports include:
- Medium Rare NV (Stake.com)
- Bet365 Group Limited (bet365)
- Bwin
- N1 Interactive Africa Gaming Limited (N1Bet)
- Aleh Ventures Global Limited (Helabet)
The LSLGA says Stake ignored at least 10 compliance notices over two years and never registered for, declared or paid monthly gaming taxes. SBC News reported that Stake is also banned across FSGRN member states. The LSLGA has asked banks, payment providers, fintechs, media outlets and digital ad platforms to carry out due diligence and stop facilitating unlicensed gaming.
An earlier LSLGA notice in July 2026 cited Lagos High Court judgments holding that keeping offices or servers outside the state does not put an operator beyond Lagos law. The court also issued perpetual injunctions against non-compliant operators.
What this means for you: on a listed site you have no local complaints route, your withdrawals may stall if payment channels are cut off, and SafePlay does not protect you. Check the full list on lslga.org.
The 5% winnings tax and your NIN
In February 2026, LSLGA chief executive Are Bashir directed all Lagos-licensed operators to start deducting 5% of players’ net winnings at payout, with immediate effect. The money goes to the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), and operators must collect each player’s NIN under KYC rules. Reports say players can claim the deduction as a credit in their overall tax filing.
Two caveats. First, the federal Withholding Tax Regulations 2024 set 15% for non-residents, while the Lagos notice mentions only 5%; there is no official word on how foreigners will be classified. Second, the notice does not define “net winnings” (for example, whether your stake is deducted first). Follow your operator’s and LIRS’s guidance. For personal income tax in general, see our guide to the Nigeria Tax Act 2026.
How foreigners get a NIN
Under section 16 of the NIMC Act, foreigners legally resident for two years or more must register for a NIN. You normally need your passport, your CERPAC residence permit and a BVN. For the residence permit itself, see STR and CERPAC residence permits. Foreigners resident for less than two years are exempt from registering; if that is you, ask the operator how withdrawals will work before you deposit.
Complaints and SafePlay self-exclusion
If you have a dispute with a licensed operator, such as unpaid winnings or a frozen account, complain to the operator first. Licensees must log every complaint and resolve it within three months. If it is still unresolved after that, you can file through the complaint form on the LSLGA website.
On 6 August 2025 the LSLGA launched SafePlay, a self-exclusion system that lets players block themselves from every Lagos-licensed platform, with access to professional support during the exclusion. For more help, see our responsible gambling and help resources.
Common situations and what to do
“Pay tax or a fee before you can withdraw”
The 5% Lagos withholding tax is deducted by the licensed operator from your winnings at payout. You never transfer it separately. If someone asks you to send money first to unlock a withdrawal, it is very likely a scam. Stop and check with the operator’s official support and the LSLGA.
“Your account is frozen pending documents”
Licensed operators routinely check ID before large withdrawals, usually asking for your NIN, passport and a bank account in your own name. Upload documents only inside the official app or website, never to a private “support” account. If the issue is still unresolved after three months, complain to the LSLGA.
“A friend recommends an offshore site with better odds”
Offshore odds and bonuses can look better, but if the site is not on the Lagos register you have no local complaints route, and frozen funds are hard to recover. The LSLGA has told banks and payment firms to stop serving unlicensed operators.
“Someone invites you to run or act as an agent for a betting site”
Running or acting as an agent for gaming in Lagos requires an LSLGA licence. Taking part without one carries a very different legal risk from simply placing a bet.
Tips for Chinese residents in Lagos
- Use only Lagos-licensed operators, and check the company name and domain before you download an app.
- Have your NIN ready so you are not stuck when you win.
- Keep records of your bets and the tax deducted; they may help at tax time.
- For deposit options, see gambling payments in Nigeria.
- No one under 18 may gamble. Do not treat betting as income; no operator can guarantee a profit.
Facts on this page were checked in October 2026. Always follow the latest LSLGA and LIRS notices.
Sources
- https://www.mondaq.com/nigeria/gaming/1807818/navigating-nigerias-new-gaming-laws-a-2026-regulatory-guide-for-sports-betting-and-casino-operators
- https://www.gamblinginsider.com/?p=62572
- https://lslga.org/?p=12533
- https://gamblingmaps.org/regulators/lslga-nigeria
- https://www.gaming.net/lagos-regulator-names-stake-com-on-illegal-gaming-operators-list/
- https://sbcnews.co.uk/sportsbook/2026/09/10/stake-nigeria-ban/
- https://nairametrics.com/2026/02/21/lagos-enforces-5-withholding-tax-on-gaming-payouts/
- https://allafrica.com/stories/202602200369.html
- https://kpmg.com/ng/en/insights/2026/05/the-tax-gamechanger.html
- https://igamingbusiness.com/sustainable-gambling/nigeria-safeplay-self-exclusion-tool-launched
- https://www.mondaq.com/nigeria/government-contracts-procurement-ppp/1038136/expatriates-to-obtain-nigerias-national-identity-number-nin
- https://businessday.ng/news/legal-business/article/regulation-of-lotteries-in-nigeria-review-of-the-supreme-courts-decision-and-its-implications/
FAQ
How do I check if an operator is licensed in Lagos?
Look up the company name and domain on the official List of Licenced Operators at lslga.org. The official page is the final word.
Is it illegal to use Stake or bet365 in Lagos?
Both are on the LSLGA's September 2026 illegal-operator list, so their operation in Lagos is illegal. Players on these sites get no local protection and their funds may be at risk.
How much tax is taken from winnings in Lagos?
Licensed operators deduct 5% of net winnings at payout and pay it to LIRS. Federal rules set 15% for non-residents; follow official guidance on how this applies to foreigners.
Can I withdraw winnings without a NIN?
Lagos requires a NIN at payout. Foreigners resident under two years are not required to register, so check with the operator before you deposit.
What is SafePlay?
A self-exclusion system launched by the LSLGA on 6 August 2025. It lets players block themselves from every Lagos-licensed platform.
Facts checked: 2026-10-22 · Niriliya Huaren Editorial Team · How we check facts