Following a recent Supreme Court ruling, Google has slammed the brakes on gambling-related advertising in Nigeria. The tech giant updated its country-specific policies on Wednesday, January 8, effectively putting a stop to promotions for online gambling products in the country. This isn’t just a tweak—it’s a comprehensive ban covering everything from bonus codes to betting tips.
The New Rules of the Game
Google’s updated policy is clear: no ads for gambling or gambling-related products in Nigeria. This sweeping restriction means no promotional vouchers, bonus codes, or educational materials like books and eBooks. Even gambling information, including odds and handicapping tips, is now off-limits.
While the exact reasons behind Google’s crackdown remain unspecified, the timing points to Nigeria’s evolving regulatory landscape.
The Supreme Court Ruling That Changed It All
The backdrop to Google’s policy shift is last November’s landmark Supreme Court decision, which dramatically altered the regulatory framework for gambling in Nigeria. The court struck down the National Lottery Act of 2005, a ruling that shifted the authority to regulate lotteries and games of chance from the Federal Government to individual states.
For nearly two decades, the Act had been a sore point between federal and state authorities. States like Lagos repeatedly challenged the federal government’s control, arguing that lotteries are a “residual matter” reserved for state governance. By contrast, federal jurisdiction is limited to domains such as defence and banking.
Now, the National Lottery Act’s scope has been reduced to Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT). State assemblies, including Lagos, are set to take the reins on regulating lotteries within their jurisdictions, marking a significant decentralization of authority.
What Does This Mean for Gambling in Nigeria?
The ruling has created a ripple effect, with Google’s advertising ban being the latest consequence. For gambling operators and advertisers, this new environment raises questions about how to navigate a fractured regulatory landscape.
For players, it’s the end of a digital era where gambling promotions were just a click away. Whether this leads to more clarity or more confusion for Nigeria’s gambling industry remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure—Google’s ban, paired with the Supreme Court’s decision, signals a turning point.
