The Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission (ESGC) has formally notified the public that the online gaming platform operating as Betjapa is not licensed, approved, certified, or authorized by the Commission to conduct any gaming, betting, or lottery activity within Enugu State or anywhere in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
This clarification follows widespread reports on X (formerly Twitter) alleging fraud, unpaid winnings, and exploitation of Nigerian users linked to Betjapa.
The ESGC has confirmed that Betjapa falsely claimed to possess a valid license issued by the Commission, a claim the Commission describes as criminal, misleading, and strongly condemned.
“Betjapa has never been licensed by us,” ESGC declares
Speaking on the development, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Prince Arinze Arum, stated:
“We want to state without ambiguity that the Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission has never at any time issued a license, approval, certificate, or any form of authorization to Betjapa or its promoters. Any document or license they claim originated from us is fake, forged, and criminal.”
Prince Arum expressed deep concern over reports of Nigerians being defrauded.
“The level of public complaints, ranging from non-payment of winnings to outright fraudulent activities, is deeply troubling. What is even more alarming is that Betjapa falsely invoked the name of this Commission to mislead the public. We consider this a deliberate act of deception and an attempt to undermine regulatory authority.”
Commission Issues Formal Directive to DME Systems
Upon discovering Betjapa’s false claims, the Commission issued a formal regulatory notice to DME Systems, a Douala-based entity identified as the technology provider behind Betjapa and operators of the FlexBet engine upon which the sportsbook was built.
The Commission’s letter demanded that DME Systems:
- Immediately disclose the identity of their Nigerian partner and the structure of their operational relationship.
- Pay the regulatory fine imposed for illegally conducting gaming activities using the ESGC’s name.
- Initiate a proper licensing process in compliance with the laws of Enugu State and Nigeria’s regulatory framework.
Despite these directives, the Commission confirms that over 14 days have passed without any response or compliance from DME Systems.
Instead, DME Systems abruptly shut down the Betjapa platform following public backlash and began selectively refunding some victims.
Prince Arum stated:
“Their refusal to obey regulatory directives, coupled with the hurried shutdown of the platform, is a clear attempt to evade accountability. This behaviour shows an intentional exploitation of Nigerians through unauthorized gaming operations.”
No Affiliation With Betjapa or DME Systems
The Commission categorically states:
- It has no affiliation whatsoever with Betjapa or DME Systems.
- Any license displayed by these entities is FAKE and FORGED.
- It will pursue all available legal actions, local and international, to ensure accountability.
Prince Arum added:
“Let it be known that any representative or agent of DME Systems who enters Nigeria will face immediate questioning and potential prosecution. The era of foreign or local entities exploiting Nigerians under false regulatory claims is over.”
Stern Warning to All Gaming Operators
The ESGC has issued a clear warning to all operators and prospective operators:
“Any entity engaging with DME Systems or using their sportsbook or gaming engine does so at their own risk. We will sanction any operator; foreign or local, that attempts to rely on unlicensed technology partners or deceptive platforms to exploit Nigerians.”
The Commission emphasized that no operator is permitted to hide under foreign affiliations, technology partners, or private arrangements to conduct illegal gaming operations.
Prince Arum further warned:
“Any attempt to use the name, emblem, or authority of the Enugu State Gaming Commission for fraudulent purposes will result in severe regulatory and criminal consequences.”
Final Warning
The ESGC issued a firm caution to the general public and prospective operators:
“Illegal gaming operations, unauthorized platforms, and deceptive practices, especially those invoking the Commission’s name, will attract the full weight of the law. We urge the public to remain vigilant and only engage with licensed platforms.”
Official Channels
He said that all legitimate applications, enquiries, and registration processes for gaming operations in Enugu State must be conducted exclusively through the portal here.
