Are's expertise extends to regulatory compliance, policy advisory, and technology platforms inter-operability strategies for several Telecommunication companies in Nigeria. 

What advice would you give to gaming operators who are operating in Nigeria?

As the pioneer gaming regulatory body in Nigeria, LSLGA continues to improve on its prime position in maintaining gaming regulation standards. We therefore advise licenced gaming operators in Lagos State to continue to cooperate and support the Authority to achieving a well-regulated state that meets global best practices and standards.

What new opportunities await investors who hope to begin operating in Nigeria?

Lagos State harbours over 20 Million people and remains the economic hub of Nigeria. The State continues to expand its infrastructure in terms of electricity and broadband and Lagos offers a competitive environment for businesses to thrive. For both local and foreign investors seeking to expand their businesses, Lagos should be your destination.

From your experience what are the most popular gaming activities Nigeria (post Covid)?

Following the impact of the covid-19 lockdown, online gaming products have taken over the gaming market. However, sports betting/online casino continues to gain attraction of the public in Nigeria.

What should operators be doing to be more socially responsible?

LSLGA continues to encourage gaming companies to partner with the regulator for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects to benefit the citizen of Lagos. We are open to working with any operator seeking to promote CSR in Lagos.

What plans does the Lagos State Lotteries & Gaming Authority have for the coming years?

One of LSLGA’s mission is to promote the gaming sector in Lagos State. Thus, we have plans to bring together investors, game developers, and associated stakeholders to a forum, tagged “Business of Gaming”.

Gaming is all about entertainment. Lagos State is the largest hub of entertainment in Africa; thus, we cannot afford to lose out on extraordinary opportunities offered by the industry.

Have there been many changes to gaming legislation in Nigeria in the past few years? If so, how well were these changes received by the sector?

Yes. LSLGA harmonized the gaming laws of Lagos State into one single legislative document in Y2021. This was as a result of the expansion of the Lagos gaming Market which requires contemporary regulations and incessant sensitization of the concerned stakeholders in the State.

In the process of harmonizing the gaming laws, LSLGA ensured that all stakeholders in the Lagos gaming industry were carried along and given opportunity to contribute towards the successful harmonization of the laws.

What do you look forward to by being a part of the 7th Annual Sports Betting West  Africa+ Summit?

SBWA Summit is a global gaming conference which offer an unrivalled and global platform to find new business and partnership opportunities, with over 200 companies represented on the show floor. I look forward to meeting with new stakeholders in the industry for partnership, collaboration for the betterment of the Lagos gaming industry.

Mr Bashir Are looks forward to meeting you all in person at the 7th Annual Sports Betting West Africa+ Summit, on the 4th & 5th of August 2022,at the glorious Federal Palace Hotel & Casino in Lagos, Nigeria.

See more information on the Sports Betting West Africa+ Summit and how you can register here: https://www.sportsbettingevents.com/sbwa