Who Can Legally Power a Sportsbook in Nigeria in 2026

Nigeria's betting brands get most of the attention, but the companies behind them now face their own licensing checks. Platform suppliers, odds feeds and payment providers all sit inside a regulatory system that changed sharply after 2024. The change started in court. After the Supreme Court's November 2024 decision, an NLRC licence covers only the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Operating in any of the 36 states now needs a state licence or a certificate from the state regulators' federation.

One Certificate, Many States

States responded by working together. Operators previously licensed by the NLRC or individual member states must now apply for a Universal Reciprocity Certificate through the FSGRN Secretariat. The FSGRN waived 2025 licence fees for qualifying companies previously licensed by the NLRC, and normal renewal fees resumed on 1 January 2026. Coverage still has gaps. One licensing consultancy estimates the certificate reached about 22 to 25 of Nigeria's 36 states by mid-2026. In states outside the FSGRN framework, the URC has no legal effect.

The B2B Licence in Lagos

Lagos created a separate route for suppliers. The LSLGA's B2B licence covers companies providing technology, software, platforms, gaming content, odds, managed IT, customer verification, fraud management or payment services to licensed operators. The licence does not suit companies taking bets directly from players. Applicants need detailed paperwork. The LSLGA asks for a business plan covering business structure, directors, tax, trademarks, operations and a marketing and distribution plan. Lawyers advise suppliers to name the Lagos-licensed operators they plan to serve, plus their onboarding process and compliance controls.

Old Licences, New Questions

Legacy approvals now carry limited value. Investors should treat NLRC-issued licences as legally limited and insufficient for nationwide operations. Due diligence should confirm whether an operator holds URC coverage or valid state licences. Enforcement has teeth at state level. In one widely reported case, Enugu's state regulator shut down Bet9ja's operations over licensing and tax compliance.

The Supplier Now Needs Paperwork Too

Nigeria's legal sportsbook market now runs on state authority, not federal approval. Platform providers that once relied on an operator's licence now need their own B2B approval, starting with Lagos. N/B

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: The 22 to 25 state URC coverage figure comes from a consultancy estimate, and the article says so.