In September the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) named illegal gambling operators and, with the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN), declared Stake.com illegal across its 24 member states. For Chinese residents who bet in Lagos the takeaway is simple: use only Lagos-licensed sites, and expect a 5% withholding tax on winnings plus a request for your National Identification Number (NIN). This article is for readers aged 18 and over.
Licensed vs unlicensed sites in Lagos
| Row | Licensed | Unlicensed |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status | LSLGA-licensed, legal | Illegal (e.g. Stake, bet365, Bwin) |
| Winnings tax | 5% deducted (15% statutory for non-residents) | Not withheld, but no legal protection |
| ID | NIN required | — |
| Complaints | Can escalate to LSLGA | No formal route |
Key points
- 10 September: the LSLGA and FSGRN declared Stake.com illegal, saying it ignored at least 10 compliance notices over two years and failed to register, declare or pay monthly gaming taxes and levies.
- Illegal register: the LSLGA’s list of illegal operators runs to 40+ companies, including Stake.com, bet365, Bwin, N1Bet and Helabet.
- Facilitators: banks, payment firms, fintechs and ad platforms were told to stop serving unlicensed gambling.
- Legal basis: section 33(3) of the LSLGA Law 2021 bans unlicensed gaming, and court rulings say any operator taking bets from Lagos residents needs a Lagos licence, wherever its servers are.
- Winnings tax: since February 2026 Lagos has enforced a 5% withholding tax on gaming winnings, deducted by licensed operators at payout and paid to the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS). Players must give their NIN.
What it means for Chinese bettors
- Unlicensed sites are risky: the LSLGA has warned of fraud, unpaid winnings and no formal dispute route on unlicensed platforms.
- NIN is the gatekeeper: foreigners legally resident for two years or more must register for a NIN (passport, residence permit and BVN). Shorter-stay residents may struggle to complete withdrawals on licensed sites.
- Your rate may differ: the Withholding Tax Regulations 2024 set 5% for resident individuals and 15% for non-residents. How an operator classifies a foreign player is up to the operator and LIRS.
- Payments are tightening: with payment firms and fintechs named, deposits to and withdrawals from blocked sites may get harder, and money is harder to recover.
For the full licensing picture, read our Lagos gambling laws guide. Deposit and withdrawal options are in our betting payments guide, and licensed brands are compared in best betting sites in Nigeria. If betting stops being fun, see our responsible gambling page; Lagos’s SafePlay tool lets you self-exclude.
Sources
- SBC News: Stake banned in Lagos and FSGRN states (10 Sep 2026)
- iGaming Expert (10 Sep 2026)
- Gaming.net: Lagos illegal operators register (10 Sep 2026)
- SiGMA: LSLGA warns players about unlicensed operators (Apr 2026)
- Leadership/AllAfrica: Lagos enforces 5% WHT on gaming winnings (20 Feb 2026)
- KPMG Nigeria on the WHT Regulations (May 2026)
- Mondaq: expatriates and the NIN
FAQ
Is Stake.com legal in Lagos?
No. On 10 September 2026 the LSLGA and FSGRN declared Stake.com an illegal operator in Lagos and the federation's 24 member states.
Are betting winnings taxed in Lagos?
Yes. Licensed operators deduct 5% withholding tax at payout for LIRS and ask for your NIN; the statutory rate for non-resident individuals is 15%.
How do foreigners get a NIN?
Foreigners legally resident for two years or more must enrol, usually with a passport, residence permit (CERPAC) and BVN. Check NIMC's current requirements.
Facts checked: 2026-10-22 · Niriliya Huaren Editorial Team · How we check facts