The Nigerian National Lottery Regulatory Commission has prohibited the sale of tickets of all unapproved foreign lottery games after multiple instances of operators failing to pay players’ winnings.
According to the African Business Times, commissioners said the games are not based in Nigeria, the draws are not conducted in Nigeria, the schedule is “varied and inconsistent,” the draws are “not conducted in a transparent and credible manner,” the public cannot watch the draws the games are not approved by the government.
“The fundamental criteria for the business of lottery are the transparency and credibility of the draw process,” the Commission said. “Where they are absent, the games are compromised and provide opportunities for fraud. This breach of trust is detrimental to the playing public and the reputation of the lottery business.”
As well banning the unauthorized foreign lotteries, the commission said that lottery operators must conduct all draws in-house and allow members of the public to witness the draws.
Nigeria’s National Lottery Act 2005 allows for foreign lotteries from other countries to be available to players in Nigeria. However, this may only occur when the President of Nigeria has authorized the availability of the lottery in Nigeria.
