NLRC set to prosecute operators of unlicensed sports betting companies in Nigeria
The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) said it will deploy every available legal instrument to eradicate criminal elements operating with forged permits within the Nigerian gaming industry.
Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila, the Director-General of NLRC gave the warning in a statement signed by the commission’s spokesperson, Magnus Ekechukwu.
The commission said it has discovered a forged sports betting permit of the NLRC operating in Lagos State.
READ ALSO: Gunmen abduct Anglican priest, son in Ondo, demand N10m ransom
The DG stated that the criminals have been arrested and are being prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others who nurse the idea of defrauding the federal government.
Adding that the NLRC will always be transparent and accountable which are the hallmarks of the gaming business in the country.
“It is quite appalling to discover that at this time and age, people could want to defraud the federal government believing they would not be arrested.
“Let all criminals steer clear of the lottery industry because I can assure them, they would be arrested and prosecuted.
“The criminals already arrested will serve as an example to other criminal elements with the intention to defraud the government.
“We will neither allow nor tolerate such criminality in our industry,” the DG added.
The DG stressed that any operator who fails to heed these core values runs the risk of violating the rules and guidelines of the commission which will attract consequences.
He called on staff of the Commission, licensed operators, and the general public to be more vigilant in the quest to fish out illegal operators who are out there to destroy the good effort of the Commission in building a robust Nigerian gaming industry, while also encouraging the licensed operators to always play by the rules.
