Gaming operators in Nigeria will now demand National Identification Number (NIN) as a requirement for gamers to place bets on their platforms.
This follows a resolution by the House of Representatives at plenary on Thursday, after adopting a motion by Ibrahim Isiaka, Ogun state.
What this means is that betting companies such as Nairabet, Bet9ja, BetKing and SportyBet among others will require NIN from gamers before staking.
The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) has been directed to ensure compliance.
According to the lawmakers, this will enable authorities to verify and identify customers of gambling platforms.
Isiakain his motion, said integrating NIN as a requirement for betting will protect the customers and operators in the sector.
“The global gaming market is undoubtedly a huge one estimated to generate between $400 to $500 billion yearly and with the consistency of the current trends, by 2022, it is set to be worth around $565 billion with increasing amounts of revenues coming from online gaming in its many forms,” he said.
“When such large amounts of money are exchanged and transacted quickly through relatively anonymous interactions, there is a significant risk that criminals will be tempted to use the situation for money laundering.
“With age-restricted businesses like casinos and online gaming platforms, the critical barrier to entry for customers is age and identity verification, therefore there is an increased need for such verifications in virtual situations in order to secure both the customers and the operators.
“One of the basic purposes of the national identity Number is for identification, as it not only serves to identify the individual holder but also curbs duplication of identities.
“It is imperative for regulators to place a premium on data security of gamers and gaming operators and one readily available way to achieve this is to integrate the National identity Numbers (NIN) into the data collection of both new and existing customers.”
The motion was unanimously adopted when it was put to voice vote by the speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Subsequently, the house mandated the committee on governmental affairs to ensure compliance.
