One of Nigeria’s biggest operators, Bet9ja, is about to lose access to almost a million people due to a shutdown order issued by the court.
The Gaming and Lottery Commission of Enugu, a Nigerian city with a population of 900,000, has begun the closures of offices and betting shops related to Bet9ja and its owner, KC Gaming, following orders of the Enugu High Court.
Earlier in January, the gambling regulator filed an ex-parte motion against Bet9ja on the grounds of the operator failing to pay due financial obligations to the government.
The order was subsequently granted by Hon. Justice H.O. Eya, allowing the Commission to seal all physical premises of the gambling business within the city of Enugu.
Prince Arinze Arum, Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Commission, further added that the operator has repeatedly ignored communication, warnings, and regulatory notice efforts, alongside continuous delays in renewing its license.
“We have had several communications with KC Gaming concerning their infractions and regulatory breaches, including financial responsibilities to the state, but they neglected every communication…we made,” Arum said.
“We want total compliance. If you comply with the gaming laws, the commission and the state government will collaborate and support you. But we cannot allow anyone to keep flouting the law because it sends the wrong signal to other operators.
“We are serious about compliance and playing by the rules. There is no company that is above the law.”
Bet9ja replies
Lottery Daily reached out to KC Gaming for a statement, and the company has remained adamant that it has stayed within the frames of the gambling law.
Ayo Ojuroye, CEO and Managing Director of KC Gaming, has outright denied the Commission’s allegations of tax debt and outstanding payments, and added that Bet9ja has been “a model corporate entity” ever since it started doing business in Enugu over a decade ago.
Ojuroye further said that the operator has maintained communication with the government, the Gambling Commission, and the Internal Revenue Service, contrary to Arum’s statements.
Most importantly, KC Gaming hinted at appealing the High Court order further down the line, ‘remaining committed to ensuring that the issues are resolved legally’.
“We wish to assure our agents, partners, and the public that we will continue to follow due process to ensure that these closures are reversed and that justice prevails,” Ojuroye concluded.