Delta Assembly Fixes Public Hearing For Gaming Board Bill
Legislative Push for Sector Reform
THE Delta State House of Assembly has announced a public hearing on a bill proposing the creation of a Delta State Gaming Board, signalling an effort to restructure and modernise the regulation of betting, lottery and gaming operations across the state.
Scheduled for 24 February 2026, at the Assembly Complex in Asaba, the hearing will provide a forum for stakeholders to examine and debate the proposed legislation.
The bill aims to repeal outdated laws dating back as far as 1954 and replace them with a consolidated framework designed to reflect current economic and technological realities in the gaming industry.
Modernising a Fragmented Legal Regime
Under the proposal, several legacy statutes — including laws enacted in 1954, 1976, 1990 and 1996 — would be repealed to eliminate overlapping mandates and administrative gaps.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Trade and Investments, Egbetamah Ovie Collins, said the reform is intended to streamline governance and strengthen regulatory clarity.
Industry observers note that the gaming sector has expanded significantly in recent years, driven by digital platforms and increased youth participation. However, regulatory enforcement has often lagged behind technological growth.
Institutional Engagement
The committee will hear from a broad range of institutions, including ministries overseeing finance, trade, economic planning and justice. Agencies responsible for revenue collection, investment promotion, sports administration and outdoor advertising are also expected to participate.
Legal practitioners and gaming operators will have the opportunity to submit memoranda and provide oral testimony.
Collins described the hearing as an inclusive dialogue aimed at crafting legislation that protects public interest while promoting lawful business activity.
Balancing Revenue and Regulation
Gaming remains a potential source of internally generated revenue for many states. Lawmakers argue that a unified Gaming Board would centralise licensing, monitoring and compliance functions, reducing leakages and improving transparency.
However, policy analysts caution that effective regulation will depend not only on legislative design but also on enforcement capacity and inter-agency coordination.
With the deadline for memorandum submission set for 23 February 2026, attention now turns to the quality of stakeholder engagement and the extent to which public input will shape the final version of the bill.
If passed, the law could redefine the regulatory landscape of gaming in Delta State and set a precedent for similar reforms elsewhere in Nigeria.
