Enugu State Gaming Commission Challenges Bet9ja Legally

The Enugu State Gaming Commission (ESGC) has taken legal action against Bet9ja, Nigeria's largest betting brand, claiming violations of state gaming laws. The commission's actions, which began on February 9, 2026, include shutting down Bet9ja's retail betting shops in Enugu State.

ESGC argues that Bet9ja has failed to comply with tax regulations and has not granted access to its backend systems for transaction verification. Bet9ja's CEO, Dr. Ayo Ojuroy, contends that the company has operated lawfully in Nigeria for 12 years and does not owe any legitimate taxes to Enugu State.

The dispute centers on the interpretation of revenue attribution, with ESGC asserting that Bet9ja's operations fall under its regulatory oversight, while Bet9ja argues that state-level charges should not apply to revenue generated outside the state. The outcome of this legal battle may hinge on whether the court agrees with ESGC's broad interpretation of its regulatory authority.