As Nigeria’s gaming industry continues to evolve amid growing decentralization, the Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission (ESGC) says it is taking bold steps to place Responsible Gaming at the core of its regulatory agenda.
A statement issued by Nwanneka Udeh, the public relations officer of the Commission, on Sunday, said that in putting players first, the agency had introduced several initiatives designed to institutionalize responsible practices among operators licensed to operate in Enugu State.
“A landmark collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) now mandates operators to comply with national data protection laws, ensuring that the personal information of players is handled securely and transparently.
“The Commission has also launched the Enugu State Gaming Regulatory Platform (ESGRP), a digital compliance tool that automates licensing, enhances oversight, and integrates secure payment tracking. This platform is one of the most advanced subnational gaming compliance systems in Nigeria today.
“Equally, in a novel move to visually distinguish legal from illegal gaming operators, ESGC has introduced Official Compliance Signage across all duly licensed gaming centers and retail booths. These signs not only serve as proof of regulatory approval but also alert the public to the dangers of engaging with unlicensed operators.
“The signage initiative is supported by a sustained enforcement campaign that has seen dozens of unauthorized gaming operators shut down, as part of the Commission’s broader goal to ensure that the industry is fair, safe, and compliant,” the Commission stated.
To promote community-centered gaming, ESGC reiterated its commitment to using gaming revenues to support development, noting that it had rolled out socially impactful programs such as the Rangers FC Dream Big Raffle, which channels proceeds into youth and sports development in the state through its Good Cause Projects.
“Responsible gaming goes beyond protecting players — it is about ensuring that gaming contributes meaningfully to the economy and society. We are proud of the strides we’ve made and look forward to sharing our model with the rest of the country during this year’s conference,” the statement quoted Executive Secretary of ESGC, Prince Arinze Arum, as saying.
It added that the 2025 Enugu Gaming Conference scheduled for July 30–31, 2025 in Enugu was expected to draw over 1,000 participants, including gaming regulators from across Nigeria, operators, policymakers, technology providers, and advocacy groups.
“The conference will explore emerging trends in state-level gaming regulation, compliance innovations, and the future of consumer protection in the sector.
“This year’s conference, themed ‘From Unification to Diversification: Shaping Nigeria’s Gaming Future,” will serve as a national platform to address the expanding role of subnational regulators, with Responsible Gaming expected to feature prominently across multiple sessions and panels,” the statement concluded.
