The Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has uncovered 35 lottery business operators
who do not have core licenses or permits to operate.
The anti-graft agency
said the discovery followed its latest attempt to end fraud related tax in the lottery
and betting industry in Nigeria.
A statement by Tony
Orilade, acting Head, Media and Publicity for the EFCC said the 35 illegal
companies’ names were unraveled during an investigation that was carried out on
the operations of lottery companies in the country, supported by a document
from the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) based on request from
the EFCC.”
The illegal companies
are: Emerald Bets International Limited (Emerald Bet), Saharabets Sports Ltd
(Surebet247), Bimm Entertainment Ltd (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 Ltd, ParknBet Champion Bookmakers. Nig.
Limited, Space Gaming, Fane Int’l Sports Tour Limited (First Fane Sports),
Zandalex Int’l 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.
“Investigation also
revealed that only 21 licensed operators and 18 companies with permits from
NLRC currently operate in the country.
