Online poker in Nigeria operates within a developing regulatory framework where poker falls under the jurisdiction of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and state lottery boards (1). The National Lottery Act 2005 serves as the primary legislation governing gaming activities, permitting operators to engage in various forms of gaming including poker, betting, and lotteries throughout the country. However, recent judicial developments have created uncertainty regarding federal versus state authority over gaming regulation.
Offshore operators seeking to provide online poker services to Nigerian players must obtain a Remote Operator Permit from the regulatory authorities (1). This permit, valid for five years, allows licensed operators to offer casino games, bingo, slots, sports betting, and poker to Nigerian players through online platforms. The permit enables companies to advertise their services, utilize payment systems, and fully repatriate revenue after settling applicable taxes, without establishing a local subsidiary in Nigeria.
"For operators located outside Nigeria, the Remote Operator Permit must be issued before they can successfully operate in Nigeria. This licence is valid for five years. The Remote Operator Permit permits offering the following online games to players in Nigeria: casino games; bingo; slots; sports betting; and poker."
In November 2024, the Supreme Court of Nigeria nullified the National Lottery Act 2005, ruling that lottery and gaming regulation falls under state rather than federal legislative powers (2). This landmark decision creates a new regulatory landscape where individual states now have exclusive authority to regulate gaming activities within their territories. The ruling affects operators who previously held national licenses, as these are now considered invalid, requiring companies to obtain separate licenses from each state where they operate.
Source:
https://iclg.com/practice-areas/gambling-laws-and-regulations/nigeria
https://www.imgl.org/publications/imgl-magazine-volume-3-no-1/legislative-and-regulatory-powers-over-lottery-gaming-and-betting-in-nigeria/
Last updated: 09-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
