Abuja – The Cross River State Government has launched a major crackdown on illegal and non-compliant online lottery and sports betting operators. The move follows a new partnership designed to clean up the gaming sector and protect players from fraud.
The Director-General of the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency, Hon. Micheal Eja, told journalists that a recent collaboration with a popular search engine has given the Agency new powers to monitor, regulate, and sanction online operators across digital platforms.
Eja explained that enforcing compliance had been a challenge in the past, especially against operators without a physical presence in the state. “Before, our biggest problem was dealing with online operators outside our jurisdiction,” he said.
That challenge has now been addressed through the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law 2025, which provides the legal backing for collaboration with digital platforms. “Without an enabling law, we couldn’t approach Google, but that has changed,” Eja noted.
Under the new framework, the Agency can demand the removal of illegal operators’ content, block unauthorised ads, and pursue legal action against defaulting companies. The initiative aims to both sanitise the industry and protect players who have fallen victim to unlicensed platforms.
“This is a win-win. Licensed operators can advertise legally, while fraudulent ones will be blacklisted and sanctioned. Our duty is to monitor, enforce, and apply penalties where necessary,” Eja explained.
The enforcement drive is part of a broader effort to boost transparency, accountability, and investor confidence in the state’s gaming sector. Eja urged operators to comply fully with the law and maintain ethical business practices.
“We call on all gaming operators to embrace transparency, accountability, and full compliance with the law. Calabar is not just a place to do business; it’s a place to live and thrive,” he stressed, signalling the government’s commitment to a safer and more regulated gaming environment.
