SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Google has implemented new comprehensive restrictions on gambling advertising in Nigeria, following a recent court ruling.
On Wednesday, 8 January, Google updated its ‘country-specific policies‘ related to the advertising of gambling and games for Nigerian audiences.
Effective immediately, Google will prohibit the advertising of online gambling products and offers in Nigeria. The ban on “gambling-related products” extends to promotional items such as vouchers and bonus codes, educational materials like books and eBooks, as well as gambling-related information, including tips, odds, and handicapping.
Although specific circumstances were not detailed by Google, last November Nigeria’s gambling sector was disrupted by the Supreme Court’s decision to void the National Lottery Act 2005.
The judgment transferred the authority to regulate lotteries and games of chance from the Federal Government to the House Assemblies of the States within the Federation.
The governance of Nigeria’s gambling licences has been a contentious issue since the introduction of the Lottery Act in 2005, as states have frequently contested the rule of federal authorities.
Long-standing conflicts saw the Assembly of Lagos argue that “lottery” falls under residual matters and is not part of the exclusive legislative list reserved for the federal government, which includes domains such as defence and banking. Lagos state sought judicial clarification on which level of government has the authority to regulate lotteries.
Following the ruling, the National Lottery Act is now limited in scope, applying exclusively to Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as State assemblies, including Lagos, will assume responsibility for regulating lotteries within their respective jurisdictions.
