The Cross River State Government has commenced a major crackdown on illegal and non-compliant online lottery and sports betting operators, in a move aimed at sanitising the state’s gaming sector and safeguarding players from exploitation.
Naijaonpoint reports that the initiative follows a new partnership between the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency and a leading global search engine, granting the agency enhanced powers to monitor, regulate, and sanction unlicensed operators across digital platforms.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the Director-General of the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency, Hon. Michael Eja, said the collaboration marks a new phase in the state’s regulatory enforcement.
“In the past, our major challenge was the inability to enforce compliance, especially against online operators without a physical presence in the state,” he said.
Eja explained that the signing of the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law 2025 had provided the legal backing needed to extend enforcement to online spaces and collaborate with digital platforms like Google.
“Without an enabling law, we couldn’t approach Google, but that has changed. Thanks to the signing of the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law 2025, we now have both the law and the tools to act,” he stated.
According to the Director-General, the new partnership empowers the agency to demand the removal of illegal operators’ content from the search engine, block unauthorised advertisements, and pursue legal action against defaulting companies.
Eja said the government’s goal is to clean up the gaming environment and protect players, many of whom have fallen victim to fraud by unlicensed online platforms.
“This is a win-win for everyone. Licensed operators under our Agency will now be able to advertise legally on Google platforms, while fraudulent operators will be blacklisted and sanctioned. Our duty is to monitor, enforce, and apply penalties where necessary,” he explained.
Eja noted that the enforcement drive forms part of the state government’s broader efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and investor confidence within the gaming industry.
He urged betting and lottery operators to adhere strictly to regulations and uphold ethical practices to avoid sanctions.
“We call on all gaming operators to embrace transparency, accountability, and full compliance with the law. Calabar is not just a place to do business; it’s a place to live and thrive,” Eja stressed.
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