Introduction 

FSGRN and their functions in Nigeria gaming industry is a common question people ask.

This article explains what FSGRN is, its key functions in Nigeria’s gaming industry, and answers common questions about gaming laws and licensing in the country.

What is FSGRN

FSGRN stands for the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria. It is a national body that brings together all the gaming regulatory commissions and boards in Nigeria at the state level Together. 

FSGRN was created to ensure that all the states in Nigeria work together to improve the regulation of gaming and gambling activities.

The gaming industry in Nigeria includes sports betting, casino games, online gaming, and lottery. 

With over 22 state regulators working together under FSGRN, the goal is to make gaming in Nigeria fair, transparent, and well-managed. It also helps reduce illegal gaming operations and ensures that gaming companies follow all the rules. 

FSGRN is not a federal regulator, but it plays a very important role in helping state governments control gambling in their regions. FSGRN was created following the supreme court judgement in November 2024 , which ousted the powers of NLRC from issuing licenses and regulating gaming activities across the states in Nigeria. The Lagos state government along side 22 other states embarked on the creation of a regulatory body that will ensure a harmonized system in gaming across all states through fsgrn, therefore the fsgrn can issue universal license to operators to do gaming in any partnering state.

FSGRN Functions in Nigeria Gaming Industry 

The Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) performs many important functions in the Nigerian gaming industry. These functions help protect players, regulate gaming companies, and support state governments in managing gaming activities.

The major functions of FSGRN include:

1. Coordination of State Regulators

FSGRN connects all state gaming boards and commissions in Nigeria. This helps them work together, exchange information, and handle cross-border gaming issues.

2. Policy Development

FSGRN helps create policies that guide how gaming is regulated in each state. These policies make sure that gaming is safe, responsible, and beneficial to the economy.

3. Setting Standards

FSGRN sets minimum standards for licensing, operation, and enforcement. This means that all gaming companies must meet certain rules to operate legally.

4. Training and Capacity Building 

It provides training and resources to state regulators so they can perform their duties better. This includes training on how to inspect gaming sites, track online betting, and handle complaints.

5. Promoting Responsible Gaming

FSGRN encourages gaming companies to protect their customers, especially minors and vulnerable people, from gambling addiction.

6. Resolving Disputes

It helps resolve disputes between gaming operators and state regulators.

7. Partnerships and Research

FSGRN partners with national and international bodies to learn best practices. It also supports research into the impact of gaming in Nigeria.

Through these functions, FSGRN plays a big role in making the Nigerian gaming industry more organized, transparent, and secure.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What are FSGRN Member states ? The following are member states of FSGRN

1. LAGOS STATE

2. EKITI STATE

3. ABIA STATE

4. AKWA IBOM STATE

5. ANAMBRA STATE

6. BAYELSA STATE

7. BENUE STATE

8. CROSS RIVER STATE

9. DELTA STATE

10. EBONYI STATE

11. EDO STATE

12. ENUGU STATE

13. IMO STATE

14. KOGI STATE

15. NASARAWA STATE

16. OGUN STATE

17. ONDO STATE

18. OYO STATE

19. OSUN STATE

20. PLATEAU STATE

21. TARABA STATE

22. KADUNA STATE

Every state has their own conditions for issuing gaming licenses explains the application process, requirements for operators, fees, and how licenses can be revoked or renewed. 

Different states in Nigeria may have their own gaming laws, it is important to know the requirement stipulated by the state.

NLRC Act 2005

This Act was revoked by the supreme court judgement in November 2024 .

How do I get a Gaming License in Nigeria?

If you want to get a gaming license in Nigeria, follow the following process:

• Choose whether to operate at a specific state or across federation.
• Apply to the Federation of Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) for Universal licenses or your state’s gaming board for state licenses if you want to operate only in one state
• Provide required documents such as company registration documents, tax records, identification, financial statements, and business plan.
• Pay the necessary application and licensing fees. (license fees is N100m for universal license from FSGRN) Renewal fees for any license is N50m.
• Wait for inspection and background checks.
• If approved, you will receive a license to start operations.

Each state may have slightly different procedures. for example Edo state gaming board have stopped issuing and renewing licenses , therefore only FSGRN can renew or issue licenses to operators willing to do business in Edo state . However Oyo State gaming board is still issuing and renewing licenses.

What body regulates gambling in Nigeria?

There are two levels of gambling regulation in Nigeria: federal and state levels. 

Federal Level: The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) regulates lotteries and online gaming that operate across the entire country.

State Level: Each state has its own Gaming Board. These bodies regulate gambling and betting within their state borders. FSGRN helps bring all state regulators together.

What is the new gaming policy?

The new gaming policy in Nigeria is that any operator willing to do gaming business in Nigeria , need to choose the state, if it wishes to cover a lot of states, it need to align with the requirement set by FSGRN, Otherwise it must comply with the state gaming board requirements.

FSGRN Mandate is to make gambling more responsible, transparent, and beneficial to all. FSGRN gaming policy includes:

• Licensing online betting companies
• Protecting users from fraud.
• Enforcing taxes from gaming revenues.
• Promoting responsible gaming to prevent addiction.
• Reducing illegal or unlicensed gambling.

FSGRN supports these policies by coordinating actions across states.

What is the Federation of States Gaming Regulators of Nigeria?

The Federation of States Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) is a group made up of all the gaming regulatory bodies in Nigerian states.

It was created to help state regulators work together to improve the gaming industry. FSGRN does not issue licenses directly but works with state boards to set standards, train staff, and ensure gaming is well-managed. 

The body ensures that gambling activities across the country are legal, safe, and well-regulated.

It is important to Note that FSGRN does not cover FCT Abuja, therefore Operators must obtain License from FCT Lottery Gaming Office in order to do gaming business in Abuja Nigeria.

Conclusion 

FSGRN plays a major role in shaping the future of the gaming industry in Nigeria. By uniting state regulators and setting clear standards, it ensures that gambling activities are well-controlled and beneficial to the economy.

Whether you’re a gaming operator, investor, or player, understanding how FSGRN works helps you stay informed and compliant.