By Omeiza Ajayi

The Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA has warned lottery operators against allowing minors participate in gambling, vowing to sanction erring operators.

The development came as the Administration also announced a new regulatory framework for the gaming and lottery industry in the territory.

Director General of the FCT Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, who disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja said the move will enhance transparency, safeguard minors, boost investor confidence, and position Abuja as Africa’s emerging entertainment capital.

According to him, any operator found enabling underage gambling will face severe sanctions, including fines and possible license revocation.

“There is zero tolerance for underage gambling. Any operator caught allowing minors to participate will be penalized. We are building a gaming environment based on responsibility, regulation, and fairness”, he declared.

He explained that the new regulatory framework is a fallout of the recent judgment of the Supreme Court which affirms the FCTA’s authority to oversee gaming and lottery operations within the territory.

Accordingly, he said the FCT Lottery Regulatory Office FCT-LRO has now taken over regulatory responsibilities, working in close collaboration with the FCT Internal Revenue Service FCT-IRS.

Gbajabiamila reassured stakeholders that the transition will not disrupt existing operations.

“All valid licenses issued previously remain operational under the FCT-LRO. There is no need for reapplication. The only change is jurisdiction. Operators will now report to the FCT authorities”, he said.

According to him, the office has also met tech giants including Google which had previously only recognized licenses from a single state authority.

He said; “We have met with Google and addressed the concerns. Every state, including the FCT, has legal jurisdiction over gaming within its borders. The era of one-state dominance is over”.

On his part, Acting Executive Chairman of the FCT-IRS, Mr Michael Ango, pledged full support for the reforms, highlighting the potential of a well-regulated gaming sector in fueling economic growth.

He said; “Gaming is more than just recreation it’s a tool for economic development if properly managed. We are working with FCT-LRO to ensure proper oversight, efficient tax collection, and most importantly, the protection of vulnerable groups, especially minors”.

Accordingly, the FCT-IRS is developing a mechanism that will mandate operators and agents to verify the identity of all participants through their Tax Identification Numbers TIN or other means of digital verification.

“Anyone not registered or verifiable especially minors will be restricted. Any operator who disregards this will face stiff penalties.

“The future of gaming in Abuja is not just bright, it is strategic. With regulation, innovation and collaboration, the FCT is now ready for global attention”, Ango declared.

Vanguard News