GAMING MACHINES (PROHIBITION) ACT

An Act prohibits the use of gaming machines without proper authorisation and regulates the gaming industry. It targets gaming operators, regulatory bodies, and the public to prevent exploitation. This protects vulnerable individuals and ensures gaming occurs through authorised channels.

What Is This Policy?

An Act prohibiting the use of gaming machines (slot machines) without government authorisation and regulating the gaming industry to prevent exploitation of gamblers.

Who Does It Target?

Gaming machine operators and casino proprietors The National Lottery Regulatory Commission Law enforcement agencies Members of the public using gaming facilities

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Prevent the proliferation of unregulated gaming machines that exploit vulnerable individuals, ensure gaming is conducted only through authorised channels, and protect public morals.

Key Features

Prohibition: Prohibits the possession and use of gaming machines except under a valid licence. Licensing: Only persons holding a valid gaming machine licence may operate gaming machines. Penalties: Unlicensed operation of gaming machines attracts seizure and criminal prosecution. Consumer Protection: Licensed operations must comply with consumer protection conditions.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active — gaming sector now also regulated by NLRC Coverage: Nationwide gaming sector Beneficiaries: Public; gaming consumer protection Funding: Federal Government

How to Access

Obtain a gaming machine licence from the NLRC Comply with location restrictions (no gaming near schools or places of worship) Comply with customer identification requirements Application method: Apply for gaming licence at https://www.nlrc.gov.ng

Important Terms

Minors may not be admitted to gaming premises Online gaming is regulated separately by the NLRC Proceeds from gaming that violate the Act are forfeited

Official Resources

Website: https://www.nlrc.gov.ng Contact: National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC)

Legal Framework

Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly as the Gaming Machines (Prohibition) Act (Cap G1 LFN 2004). Operates alongside the National Lottery Commission Act, the Criminal Code Act on gambling offences, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2019. The National Lottery Regulatory Commission provides the current gaming licensing framework. Aligns with FATF Recommendations on anti-money laundering in the gaming sector.