By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Ondo State Lotteries Regulatory Commission has declared Stake.com unlicensed and unauthorised to conduct betting, gaming or lottery-related activities in the state.

Chairman of the commission, Hon. Olajide Akinroluyo, who disclosed this in a statement, advised residents of the state to stop patronising the platform for betting and other gaming activities.

Akinroluyo said: “Stake.com is hereby regarded by the Commission as an unlicensed betting and gaming operator in Ondo State, and members of the public are advised against patronising the platform for betting or other gaming activities within the state.”

He said the commission’s position was also aligned with the regulatory stance of the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria, FSGRN, which promotes compliance with state licensing requirements and coordinated regulatory action across the country.

According to him, all operators offering betting, gaming, lottery or related services to residents of Ondo State are required to obtain the appropriate licence and regulatory approval from the competent state regulatory authority before commencing or conducting operations in the state.

The chairman said the regulatory position was founded on the constitutional and legal framework governing lotteries, betting and gaming in Nigeria.

He cited the Supreme Court judgment in Attorney-General of Lagos State & Ors v. Attorney-General of the Federation & Ors (SC/1/2008), delivered on November 22, 2024, which, according to him, affirmed the constitutional authority of states to regulate lotteries, betting and gaming within their respective jurisdictions.

Akinroluyo said the judgment reinforced the principle that operators seeking to provide gaming services within a state must comply with applicable state licensing and regulatory requirements.

He, therefore, urged residents of Ondo State to patronise only betting, gaming and lottery operators duly licensed and authorised to operate in the state.

The commission also cautioned betting agents, payment service providers, financial institutions, advertising agencies, media organisations, influencers and other individuals or entities against facilitating, advertising, promoting, processing or otherwise supporting the activities of unlicensed gaming operators in the state.

It warned that any operator or entity found facilitating or promoting unlicensed betting or gaming activities could face appropriate regulatory and enforcement measures in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

The commission said the regulatory action was aimed at protecting consumers and vulnerable persons, particularly minors; promoting responsible gaming practices; safeguarding the integrity of the gaming industry; ensuring compliance with licensing and regulatory requirements; promoting proper tax and revenue compliance; and creating a fair and transparent operating environment for duly licensed gaming operators.

It urged members of the public to report suspected cases of unlicensed betting, gaming or lottery operations to the commission or other appropriate regulatory authorities.

The commission said it remained committed to maintaining a transparent and properly regulated gaming environment that protects residents, promotes responsible gaming and supports legitimate operators in Ondo State.