Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it discovered 35 lottery business operators without core licences or permits to operate.
The discovery, the EFCC Acting Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Tony Orilade, was based on the determination to end fraud-related tax in the lottery and betting industry across the country.
Orilade said in a statement yesterday that the identities of the alleged offenders were unravelled during an investigation supported by a document obtained from the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), based on request from the anti-graft agency.
He said: “The illegal companies are Emerald Bets International Limited (Emerald Bet), Saharabets Sports Limited (Surebet247), Bimm Entertainment Limited (Easy Bet), Champion Superbet (Superbet), EbonyBet, 360Bets Limited, Bet Now Global Business Services Limited, Caryle Investment Limited (BetMunster), Camlake Limited (Wakabet) and West Africa Betting Company Limited (PMUbet).
“Others are Playwin International Limited (RukkaBet), Ana Lottery Limited, ParknBet Champion Bookmakers. Nigeria Limited, Space Gaming, Fane International Sports Tour Limited (First Fane Sports), Zandalex International Nigeria Limited, Gidi Games, Uwin Bets Limited, Megawin Bets Limited, Vertical Bets and Gaming Limited, Smart Bet Limited (Power Bet), EasyGold Network (Awoof Bet), Melbet and 22Bet.
“Some others who were discovered to be operating illegally include LovingBet, LionBet, NetBet, Nairapower Bet, SupaBet, SportBet, KorectWin, 2SureBet, Betwin9ja and Western Sportbet Nigeria Limited.”
Orilade added that investigation also revealed that only 21 licensed operators and 18 companies with permits from the NLRC currently operate in the country.
He said: “Those hitherto operating illegally, in contravention of the relevant laws and guidelines would, henceforth, face the full wrath of the law as investigation is ongoing on their illegal activities.”
