Enugu Reaffirms Regulatory Direction at Stakeholders Forum

By Nseobong Okon-Ekong

The Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Commission has concluded plans to hold its 2026 Enugu State Gaming Stakeholders Forum, with renewed emphasis on stronger compliance, technology-driven regulation, responsible gaming and greater accountability across the gaming industry in Enugu State.

The forum, to be held on Thursday at Gold Rhino Hotel, Nkpokiti Road, Enugu, will bring together licensed gaming operators, their agents, and other industry stakeholders under the theme ‘Beyond Compliance: Building a Safer, Smarter and More Sustainable Gaming Industry in Enugu State’.

An annual feature, the forum is being convened against the background of the changing nature of gaming and the need for regulation to evolve alongside developments in technology, gaming operations and player protection.

The commission restated that modern compliance must go beyond obtaining or renewing licences. It must also include accurate reporting, effective regulatory monitoring, secure technology, responsible business practices, and player protection.

A major focus of the Forum will be the commission’s Gaming Regulatory Management Platform (GRMP) and the integration of operators’ systems with the regulatory monitoring infrastructure.

The idea is to provide an opportunity to address concerns around backend connectivity, data security, access controls, system integrity and the protection of commercially sensitive information, as stakeholders will be given greater clarity on the purpose of regulatory monitoring and the safeguards required to support secure and effective technology-driven regulation.

This year’s forum also provides a platform for the Commission to advance its partnership with GambleAwareNG through the ‘Play Smart, Stay Safe’ safer gaming campaign.

The six-month initiative follows a recommendation from the 2026 Enugu Gaming Conference to extend safer gaming awareness beyond digital platforms into land-based gaming shops.

The campaign will reach 100 gaming shops across Enugu State in the first instance, supported by safer gaming signage and direct engagement with players and shop staff. Trained volunteers will help educate stakeholders, distribute awareness materials and encourage individuals experiencing gambling-related challenges to seek appropriate support.

The initiative represents a practical step towards making responsible gaming and player protection more visible within the gaming environment.

The commission reiterated that effective regulation requires both enforcement and constructive engagement with legitimate industry participants.

The 2026 event will mark an important step in strengthening cooperation between the regulator and the industry while providing greater clarity on the direction of gaming regulation in Enugu.

The commission remains committed to building a gaming industry that is safer, smarter, transparent and sustainable.