EFCC Uncovers 35 Illegal Lottery Operators , As Lagos Lottery Board Faults Report

In the latest attempt to end fraud related tax in the lottery and betting industry in Nigeria, the EFCC has uncovered the identity of 35 lottery business operators who do not have core licenses or permits to operate.

According to a statement , via the official twitter handle of the anti graft agency , the 35 illegal companies’ names were unraveled during an investigation that was carried out on the operations of lottery companies in the country, supported by a document from the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, NLRC, based on request from the EFCC.

The illegal companies are: Emerald Bets International Limited (Emerald Bet), Saharabets Sports Ltd (Surebet247), Bimm Entertainment Ltd (Easy Bet), Champion Superbet (Superbet), EbonyBet, 360Bets Limited, Bet Now Global Business Services Limited , Caryle Investment Limited (BetMunster), Camlake Limited (Wakabet) and West Africa Betting Company Limited (PMUbet).

Others are Playwin International Limited (RukkaBet), Ana Lottery Ltd, ParknBet Champion Bookmakers. Nig. Limited, Space Gaming, Fane Int’l Sports Tour Limited (First Fane Sports), Zandalex Int’l Nigeria Limited, Gidi Games, Uwin Bets Limited, Megawin Bets Limited Vertical Bets and Gaming Limited, Smart Bet Limited (Power Bet), EasyGold Network (Awoof Bet), Melbet and 22Bet.

Some others who were discovered to be operating illegally include: LovingBet, LionBet, NetBet, Nairapower Bet, SupaBet, SportBet, KorectWin, 2SureBet, Betwin9ja and Western Sportbet Nigeria Limited.

Investigation also revealed that only 21 licensed operators and 18 companies with permits from the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, NLRC, currently operate in the country.

Those hitherto operating illegally, in contravention of the relevant laws and guidelines would, henceforth , face the full wrath of the law as investigation is ongoing on their illegal activities.

But in a swift reaction to the statement, the Lagos State Lotteries Board (LSLB) faulted report from the commission, noting with dismay that 8 of its licensed operators were included in the EFCC publication.

LSLB said “Attention has been drawn to the EFCC publication of 26/03/2020 via its Twitter handle. The report listed 35 illegal lottery operators in Nigeria.

“LSLB noted with dismay that 8 of its licensed operators were included in the EFCC publication.

“Governance protocol envisages due consultation by EFCC to LSLB and other State regulators in Nigeria before such publication is made.

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, and the Taxes and Levies Act of the Laws of the Federation specifically grants.