GAMING CATEGORIES

Gaming Licence and Permit Categories under the FCT-LRO Regulatory Framework

This outlines the official Gaming Licence and Permit Categories regulated by the Federal Capital Territory Lottery Regulatory Office (FCT-LRO).

It provides a structured classification of all authorized gaming operations within the FCT, as empowered by the Ministerial Mandate under the FCTA and guided by the FCT-LRO Operational Charter, and other relevant laws.

The purpose is to enhance transparency, protect consumers, and promote lawful, responsible, and economically beneficial gaming practices across the Territory.

Regulatory Mandate

The FCT-LRO exercises full authority to license/Permit, monitor, and enforce compliance among gaming operators in all approved sectors.

Every operator—whether local or digital—must obtain a valid licence or permit from the FCT-LRO prior to operation.

Licensing/Permit decisions are based on rigorous assessment, operational integrity, financial suitability, and adherence to national and international regulatory standards.

Recognized Gaming Licence and Permit Categories

1. Lottery (Retail & Online)

This License category covers both online and physical lottery operations conducted through outlets or kiosks within the FCT.

• Operators must display approved permits and issue verifiable tickets.
• Games must be transparent, with independently verifiable draws and prompt prize payments.
• Sales agents must be registered and monitored.
• Lottery operations shall conform to the FCT Gaming Framework and FCT-LRO’s Local Licensing Code.

Objective: To ensure transparent, community-based lottery systems that contribute responsibly to FCT’s internally generated revenue (IGR).

2. Consumer Sales Promotional Campaigns

This Permit category involve the use of lottery/gaming or chance elements to promote goods and services.

• All consumer promotional games must be registered with the FCT-LRO before launch.
• Operators must submit campaign mechanics, draw procedures, and prize disclosure details.
• Promotions must not exploit or mislead consumers.

Objective: To protect consumers from fraudulent campaigns and ensure fair market competition under ARCON, FCCPC, and FCT-LRO joint compliance mandates.

3. Sports Betting (Retail and Online)

This Permit category includes live betting on sports and sporting activity(ies) or virtual events.

• Operators must integrate their systems with the FCT-LRO Central Monitoring System (CMS).
• All betting terminals and online platforms must comply with KYC, AML/CFT, and data protection regulations.
• Advertising must promote responsible gaming and avoid underage appeal.
• Must comply with the FCT-LRO Gaming System Integrity Standard (GSIS).

Objective: To ensure fair, transparent, and socially responsible betting operations that align with FATF standards and national cybersecurity protocols.

4. Charity and Community Raffles

This category covers raffles and draws organized by recognized charitable bodies, NGOs, and community associations.

• Licences are issued for fundraising purposes with clearly defined beneficiaries.
• All proceeds and expenditures must be audited and reported to the FCT-LRO.
• Raffles must not operate for commercial profit.
• Must comply with the FCT-LRO Gaming System Integrity Standard (GSIS).

Objective: To promote lawful, socially beneficial gaming that strengthens community welfare, as guided by FCT charity and non-profit governance laws.

5. Lottery (Fixed Odds / Pari-Mutuel)

This license category applies to fixed odds, pools, spread, pari mutual, jackpot, larger-scale, structured lottery operations conducted through licensed operators or syndicates.

• Systems must be audited for fairness and draw transparency.
• Operators must establish escrow accounts for prize guarantees.
• Both fixed-odds and pari-mutuel models must comply with the FCT-LRO Gaming System Integrity Standard (GSIS).

Objective: To build trust and ensure the equitable distribution of winnings while supporting national economic inclusion efforts.

6. Casino Gaming (Online and Retail)

This permit category includes physical casino operations, online casino platforms, and electronic gaming lounges.

• Operators must obtain both site approval and gaming equipment certification.
• Games such as roulette, blackjack, poker, and slot machines must operate within approved game limits and fairness codes.
• AML, surveillance, and player-protection mechanisms are mandatory.
• must comply with the FCT-LRO Gaming System Integrity Standard (GSIS).

Objective: To regulate high-value gaming environments that balance entertainment, fiscal responsibility, and social safeguards under FCT-LRO Casino Control Policy.

7. Interactive Gaming / Mobile Value-Added Services (VAS) / Telco-Linked Gaming

This Permit category applies to digital and telecom-based gaming operations such as mobile raffles, SMS lotteries, web based, and app-based betting.

• Operators must obtain data-sharing agreements with telecom partners, approved by the FCT-LRO.
• All transactions must be traceable, secure, and NDPR-compliant.
• Content providers must adhere to NCC and FCT-LRO inter-agency guidelines.

Objective: To foster innovation and expand the digital gaming economy while safeguarding consumer data and preventing exploitation.

8. Emerging Market Gaming Operations

This evolving Permit category covers new and unconventional forms of gaming, including:

• eSports betting
• Fantasy sports platforms
• Blockchain-based gaming systems
• Artificial intelligence-driven prediction markets
• Any other game of lot, chance or skill where prizes are distributed to winner(s) selected from a pool of players

Operators within this sector must submit technical concept notes, undergo pilot assessment, and obtain conditional permits prior to full licensing.

Objective: To encourage innovation while ensuring that new gaming technologies remain ethical, transparent, and compliant with FCT-LRO and federal digital laws.

Oversight and Compliance Mechanism

Each licensed operator is subject to ongoing compliance monitoring by the FCT-LRO’s departments, including:

• Licensing & Permit Unit — for application, issuance, and renewal.
• Legal & Regulatory Affairs Unit — for statutory and policy alignment.
• Compliance & Enforcement Unit — for inspections and investigations.
• ICT & Digital Monitoring Unit — for system integration and monitoring.
• Consumer Protection Unit — for complaints and fair play oversight.

All units report directly to the Office of the Director-General, ensuring institutional accountability and cross-unit coordination under the FCTA Governing Board.

This serves as the official framework for all gaming license and permit categories under the FCT-LRO.

The FCT-LRO reaffirms its mandate to create a lawful, transparent, and thriving gaming ecosystem in Abuja — one that upholds ethical standards, secures government revenue, and promotes investor confidence.

Through diligent oversight and adherence to the rule of law, the FCT-LRO will continue to balance innovation with integrity, ensuring that every gaming operator contributes meaningfully to the development of the Federal Capital Territory and the well-being of its residents.