Makinde pledges fair gaming regulation, warns operators against non-compliance

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has pledged fair and transparent regulation of the gaming industry, urging operators to comply with licensing, tax and other statutory requirements to promote sustainable growth and protect the public.

Makinde said economic expansion in the sector must be matched with responsible business practices, effective oversight and adequate safeguards for players.

The governor stated this on Thursday while delivering the keynote address at the seventh Annual Stakeholders’ Interactive Forum organised by the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board at Jogor Centre, Ibadan.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, Makinde commended the board for providing a platform for government officials, regulators, operators and other stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in the industry.

He said technological innovations, particularly online gaming platforms and mobile applications, had transformed the sector, creating opportunities for investment and employment while increasing the need for effective regulation and consumer protection.

“Our position as a government is clear. Economic growth must be encouraged, businesses must be allowed to thrive within the law, and the interests of the public must remain protected. These objectives are essential to building an industry that is productive, responsible, and sustainable,” the governor said.

Makinde described the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board as a critical institution for maintaining stability in the sector through effective oversight, enforcement of licensing requirements and action against illegal operators.

He, however, stressed that regulation should not become a hindrance to legitimate businesses, insisting that it must be fair, transparent and consistent.

“The objective of government is not to create obstacles for legitimate businesses but to promote orderly growth and accountability within the industry,” he said.

The governor urged the board to strengthen its regulatory capacity, improve engagement with operators and deploy modern technology to enhance monitoring and compliance.

He also called on gaming operators to regard compliance as an essential part of responsible business, urging them to maintain valid licences, fulfil their tax and levy obligations, keep accurate records and meet all regulatory requirements.

Makinde warned that illegal operations and non-compliance could undermine confidence in the industry, weaken regulatory oversight, promote unfair competition and deprive the government of revenue.

He further emphasised the need for responsible gaming practices, including measures to protect vulnerable persons and prevent underage participation.

According to him, the growing use of digital platforms must be accompanied by safeguards against cybersecurity threats, consumer exploitation and weaknesses in transaction monitoring.

The governor added that improved compliance and accurate reporting would reduce revenue leakages, promote transparency and strengthen the sector’s contribution to Oyo State’s economic development.

In his welcome address, the Director-General of the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board, Hon. Olajide Boladuro, said the forum reflected stakeholders’ collective commitment to developing a responsible, transparent and sustainable gaming industry.

Boladuro commended Makinde for supporting good governance, institutional accountability and the responsible development of the gaming and lottery sector.

He noted that, although the industry offered opportunities for investment, job creation and revenue generation, its full potential could only be realised through compliance, public protection and measures that inspire confidence.

The forum featured panel discussions on “Over-Regulation or Revenue Trapping: Incentivising Industry Growth,” “Corporate Social Responsibility in the Gaming Industry,” and “The State of iGaming Regulation in Nigeria: Stalemate or Progress.”

Those in attendance included the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on ICT and E-Governance, Mr Bayo Akande; government officials; gaming operators; representatives of gaming regulatory agencies; and other industry stakeholders.