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GUIDELINES AND POLICIES

Gaming Guidelines and Policies

Gaming Guidelines and Policy Framework for Sustainable and Lawful Operations in the FCT

This provides an expanded framework outlining the Gaming Guidelines and Policies established by the Federal Capital Territory Lottery Regulatory Office (FCT-LRO).

The framework strengthens institutional compliance, industry transparency, and consumer protection — ensuring all gaming operations conform to existing national laws, territorial directives, and the FCT-LRO’s regulatory mandates.

Core Policy Domains

The FCT-LRO’s operational guidelines are anchored on Six(6) core regulatory domains:

  1. Licensing and Permit Application Procedures
  • Operators must obtain valid licenses or permits before engaging in any gaming, betting, lottery, or promotional activity.
  • Applications must be complete, verifiable, and accompanied by requisite documentation.
  • Background checks and system audits will be conducted before approval.
  • Licenses are non-transferable and subject to periodic renewal.
  • Violations or misrepresentations will lead to suspension or revocation.

This process aligns with FCTA operational statutes, ensuring legal conformity.

  1. Prize Claims and Disclosures
  • Transparency in prize issuance remains non-negotiable.
  • All winnings must be verifiable, publicized, and paid promptly.
  • Terms, conditions, and odds must be displayed clearly to consumers.
  • Misrepresentation or delayed payments attract penalties.

This policy is consistent with consumer protection provisions under Nigerian commercial laws and the FCT-LRO’s fair play directive.

  1. Responsible Gaming and Player Protection

To prevent addiction and safeguard player welfare:

  • Operators must integrate responsible gaming awareness in all communications.
  • Underage gaming is strictly prohibited.
  • Platforms must include self-exclusion and spending limit features.
  • Employees must undergo periodic responsible gaming training.

These requirements conform to FCT-LRO’s Public Welfare Directive and federal consumer rights policies.

  1. Digital Integrity and Monitoring
  • All gaming systems—online or hybrid—must be technically integrated with the FCT-LRO Central Monitoring System (CMS) for transparency and traceability.
  • Real-time transaction data must be securely transmitted.
  • Systems must support anti-fraud measures, encryption, and data integrity.
  • Unauthorized systems will be deactivated and sanctioned.

This aligns with national ICT security regulations and NDPR data governance standards.

  1. Compliance, Enforcement, and Legal Governance

FCT-LRO exercises full enforcement authority under its enabling laws.

  • Regular compliance checks will be conducted by field officers.
  • Legal actions will be instituted against offenders.
  • Administrative penalties, license revocation, or blacklisting may apply.

These procedures are guided by FCTA administrative law and national gaming enforcement provisions.

  1. Consumer Awareness and Public Education

Consumer protection campaigns will continue to:

  • Educate players on fraud prevention and responsible gaming.
  • Promote transparency and access to redress mechanisms.
  • Encourage civic awareness of lawful gaming practices.

This aligns with national consumer education mandates and FCT-LRO’s civic responsibility charter.

  1. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Policy
  • All licensed operators must comply with Nigeria’s Anti-Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act and Central Bank AML/CFT directives.
  • Operators must implement customer identification (KYC) protocols.
  • All large or suspicious transactions must be reported to the NFIU (Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit).
  • Internal compliance officers must be appointed for oversight.

This ensures the gaming sector remains free from financial crimes and illicit funding networks, under the supervision of FCT-LRO.

  1. Advertising and Marketing Standards
  • All promotional and advertising activities must conform to the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Act and the FCT-LRO’s Advertising Code of Conduct.
  • Marketing must not target minors or misrepresent odds.
  • All materials must display the FCT-LRO’s license number.
  • Promotions must be pre-approved by the FCT-LRO before circulation.

The objective is to promote ethical marketing and consumer truthfulness within lawful limits.

  1. Data Privacy and Protection Policy

Operators must comply with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) and any successor legislation.

  • User data must be stored securely and processed lawfully.
  • Consent must be obtained for data collection and sharing.
  • Breach incidents must be reported immediately to the FCT-LRO and the NDPB.

This guarantees user confidentiality and institutional accountability in digital operations.

  1. Taxation and Revenue Reporting

Operators must adhere to FCTA revenue remittance laws and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) tax obligations.

  • Periodic reports on gross gaming revenue (GGR) must be filed.
  • Taxes and levies must be remitted promptly.
  • Evading or under-reporting attracts fiscal penalties.

This ensures transparency and supports the FCT’s internally generated revenue (IGR) growth objectives.

  1. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration Mechanism
  • The FCT-LRO shall maintain a Gaming Dispute Resolution Desk (GDRD) to address conflicts between players, operators, or agents.
  • Complaints will be investigated within defined timelines.
  • Arbitration or mediation will precede litigation.
  • Unresolved disputes may be escalated to the FCT-LRO Tribunal.

This mechanism ensures fairness, access to justice, and confidence in the regulatory process, as guided by federal administrative justice laws.

  1. Game Fairness and System Certification

All gaming systems must undergo periodic fairness audits and technical certification by ICT & Digital Monitoring Unit and FCT-LRO-approved assessors.

  • Systems must generate verifiable, random, and tamper-proof outcomes.
  • Unauthorized system modifications will trigger regulatory sanctions.
  • This aligns with international best practices and ISO gaming fairness standards.
  1. Operational Health and Safety Standards
  • Operators must maintain safe environments for players, staff, and visitors.
  • Gaming venues must comply with FCT Fire Service, Health and Safety, and Urban Development standards.
  • Emergency response systems must be in place.
  • Regular safety audits will be conducted.

These standards protect life and property while promoting operational professionalism.

  1. Sustainability and Community Impact Policy
  • Each licensed operator is encouraged to demonstrate social responsibility by investing in community projects.
  • CSR activities should target education, health, youth empowerment, and responsible gaming advocacy.
  • Annual CSR reports must be filed with the FCT-LRO.

This policy conforms to national corporate responsibility laws and supports FCT’s inclusive development agenda.

Implementation and Oversight

Each operational unit—Licensing, Legal, Compliance, Consumer Protection, ICT & Digital Monitoring, and Finance—shall internalize and implement these policy guidelines. Oversight remains under the Office of the Director-General and the Honourable Minister of FCT, ensuring consistency with federal laws and FCT-LRO objectives.

This consolidates the regulatory, ethical, and operational blueprint for the FCT gaming sector. The FCT-LRO’s framework stands as a model of transparency, compliance, and innovation—anchored on the rule of law and aligned with Nigeria’s evolving digital and economic realities.

Download guidelines