Cross River Cracks Down Hard: Illegal Gamers Beware!

The Cross River State Government is upping its game, and it’s not for fun! They’re launching a serious offensive against illegal online lottery and sports betting operators. This move aims to clean up the gaming scene and, more importantly, protect unsuspecting players from falling prey to scams. The agency in charge is now armed with new powers, thanks to a recent partnership and a new law, making it tougher than ever for shady operators to operate freely in the state.

  • The Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency is taking decisive action against illegal online gaming.
  • New Google partnership provides powerful tools to enforce regulations.
  • A recent law empowers the agency to tackle operators without a physical presence.
  • Licensed operators will see benefits, while illegal ones face severe consequences.
  • The move promotes transparency and a safer gaming environment for everyone.

Fighting Back Against Unlicensed Operators

The fight against illegal online gaming in Cross River State is getting real! Michael Eja, the Director-General of the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency, revealed the agency’s aggressive new stance. In the past, going after online betting sites was like trying to catch smoke – if they didn’t have a local office, it was super hard to do anything. But guess what? That’s all about to change!

Google’s Got Their Back

Thanks to a brand new onboarding by Google USA, the agency now has some serious firepower. They can actually tell Google to take down content from these rogue operators, stop their sneaky ads from popping up, and even drag them to court if they don’t behave. It’s a game-changer, really. Eja mentioned that without a proper law in place, they couldn’t even approach platforms like Google, but that hurdle has been cleared.

A New Law, A New Era

The signing of the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law 2025 is the secret sauce. Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Senator Prince Edet Bassey Otu, has been instrumental in pushing this through. This law gives the agency the teeth it needs to bite, not just bark. Now, they have both the legal backing and the technological tools to regulate the online gaming space effectively. This is fantastic news for anyone who enjoys a flutter online, ensuring they’re dealing with legitimate businesses.

Win-Win for Legit Players

This crackdown is a huge win-win. Licensed and registered operators in Cross River can now breathe easy and even advertise legally on big platforms like Google. Meanwhile, those dodgy operators who have been profiting from illegal activities will be blacklisted. Sanctions are coming, and they won’t be pretty. Eja stressed that the agency’s main job is to keep a close eye on things, enforce the rules, and dish out penalties when necessary. It’s all about creating a fair playing field.

Embrace Transparency or Face the Music

Governor Otu’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment is really paying off, attracting genuine investors. Eja took the opportunity to call on all gaming operators – the legitimate ones, that is – to step up their game in terms of transparency and accountability. Following the state laws isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a requirement. He reminded everyone that Calabar isn’t just a hub for business; it’s a place people want to live and thrive in, and a clean gaming sector contributes to that positive vibe.

About The Author

Ikenna Oluwole

Ikenna Okoro, affectionately known as "Ike," is a dynamic editor who focuses on sports and current events. He is known for his vibrant reporting and his passion for Nigerian sports culture.

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