10 Notices Trigger Stake Enforcement Across 24 Nigerian States

Nigerian state regulators say Stake is facing enforcement across the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria’s 24 member states after at least 10 formal compliance notices over two years. The action also puts payment firms, financial institutions, advertising platforms and influencers in scope.

The Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority said in an official public notice that Stake.com does not hold a license from LSLGA or any FSGRN member state. The regulator also alleges that the operator failed to register, declare its activities or remit applicable monthly gaming taxes and levies despite repeated notices.

LSLGA and the federation are relying on the Nigerian Supreme Court’s November 22, 2024 decision in case SC/1/2008, which placed regulation of lotteries, betting and gaming under state jurisdiction. The regulators have not announced a financial penalty or a deadline for the next enforcement step.

Cross River Issues Its Own Notice

Cross River State added a second official notice on September 11. According to TVC News, which reported the notice, the statement signed by Michael Eja, Director-General of the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency, says Stake is not licensed to operate in the state.

It also says enforcement is being taken against Stake, its directors and entities facilitating its activities. The notice therefore extends beyond the operator’s own licensing status and covers businesses involved in payments and promotion.

15M Finds Stake on Lagos List

15M checked LSLGA’s published list of illegal operators on September 14. Stake appears as MEDIUM RARA NV / STAKE.COM at No. 17. There are 44 entries on the page at the time of the check.

LSLGA says the companies on the list are conducting gaming activities in Lagos without the license required under Section 33(3) of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority Law 2021. The listing is not new, but it gives the latest statements a useful reference point. Stake was already identified publicly by the Lagos regulator before the latest FSGRN and Cross River notices.

The newer development is that the same position is now being repeated outside Lagos. Cross River has now issued its own warning, while the FSGRN statement says the enforcement position applies across its 24 member states.

Who Else Is Named in the Notice

For companies sending Nigerian traffic to Stake, the wording around promotion is the part to watch. Advertising platforms and influencers are named directly in the Cross River notice.

The same applies on the payments side. Financial institutions and payment companies are also included among businesses the regulator says may facilitate unlicensed gaming activity.

Nigeria’s gambling framework changed after the Supreme Court ruling of November 2024, which strengthened state control over betting and gaming regulation. Lagos has since moved separately on issues including betting-tax collection, which 15M covered earlier.

There is still no announced date for the next enforcement step against Stake.