Nseobong Okon-Ekong reports that the annual recognition and celebration of industry leaders and enablers by the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority was a night to remember 

Lagos glittered brighter than usual as industry giants, regulators, innovators, and entertainment elites converged on the Red Carpet Events Centre, Oniru Estate, for the 2025 Gaming Operators Gala & Awards Night—an evening designed to celebrate excellence, responsibility, and innovation across Nigeria’s dynamic gaming landscape.

From the beginning, it was clear this was more than just another awards ceremony. It was a showcase of how partnership between regulators and operators can shape a safer, smarter and more sustainable gaming ecosystem.

Call for collaboration: Bashir Are sets the tone

In his opening remarks, Mr. Bashir Are, Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA), gave a compelling address that balanced celebration with responsibility. He saluted the visionary leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, praising his unwavering commitment to innovation, good governance, and a responsibly regulated gaming industry.

“Tonight is about partnership and progress,” Are declared, reminding the audience that regulators and operators share a common purpose. He highlighted improvements in compliance, digital monitoring, licensing efficiency, and stakeholder engagement as evidence of how far the industry has come through collaboration. His message was simple but powerful: protect players, support legitimate businesses, and keep Lagos at the forefront of responsible gaming in Africa.

Glamorous night of music, Fine dining and celebration

The gala pulsed with energy—thanks to a blend of live music, elegant décor, gourmet cuisine, and the unmistakable Lagos flair for stylish celebration. Guests mingled, executives networked, and the atmosphere buzzed with camaraderie and anticipation as category after category recognized those pushing the industry to higher standards.

The Promotional Cmpetitions and Industry Enablers awards were presented by Mr. Olajide Boladuro, Director General, Oyo State Gaming Board,. It was the first set of awards and they honoured organisations enabling the industry’s promotional and technological backbone. It recognised the Telco Company of the Year – MTN Communications Plc, which was celebrated for outstanding innovation and secure, responsible access to gaming services across Lagos.

Banking Platform of the Year won by Wema Bank Plc, honoured the company for excellence in payment integration, financial transparency, and seamless transaction support.

Steven Up Bottling Company won FMCG Company of the Year. The company was celebrated for innovative consumer engagement and promotional gaming initiatives.

Awards category for Customer Service, Community Impact and Responsible Gaming were presented by Mrs. Adetoun Adeyemi, Executive Secretary, Federation of States Gaming Operators of Nigeria, this category highlighted organizations placing people—not profits—at the centre of their operations. The Consumer Centric Award was won by Betway , triumphing over Betano, SportyBet, and Bet9ja, Betway clinched the award for delivering exceptional customer experience. Safer Gaming Leader award went to BetPawa. The company was honoured for leadership in responsible gaming and player protection. Olabimpe Takinga and her team proudly received the trophy.

Community Impact Award won by BetKing, was in recognition of meaningful community-focused CSR programs that create measurable social impact. Responsible Gaming Advocacy Award went to Gamble Alert. The organization was rewarded for outstanding advocacy, awareness creation, and collaboration with LSLGA to reduce gambling-related harm.

Best Sponsorship Programme (BSP) went to 1XBet for supporting grassroots sports and youth empowerment through impactful sponsorship initiatives.

AWARDS CATEGORY THREE: COMPLIANCE, INNOVATION & OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Presented by Mr. Charles Ekundayo, CEO, Africa Gaming Expo (AGE) Lagos, these set of awards celebrated Compliance, Innovation and Operational Excellence. Lottery Operator Excellence was won by Winners Golden Chance. The company prevailed over Green Lotto, Easy Win Lotto, and Baba Ijebu for exceptional organizational performance. Gaming Innovator of the Year trophy was taken by SportyBet. Rewarded for pioneering creative and technology-driven solutions. Doxxbet won the Compliance Powerhouse Award. Celebrated for integrity, transparency, and outstanding regulatory compliance. The Rising Star Award – Football.com was recognized as a fast-growing, impactful sports betting brand with strong customer satisfaction.

A category of awards went to Outstanding Operators in Gaming. Gaming Machines Operator of the Year – Hotfun 9Jackpot. Awarded for excellence in machine deployment, technological efficiency, and consumer protection. Casino Operator of the Year – Jacaranda Casino. Recognized for world-class operations, regulatory compliance, and consumer safety. Sports Betting Operator of the Year – Bet9ja. Ttriumphing over BetKing, 1XBet, and SportyBet, Bet9ja was celebrated for leadership in transparency and responsible gaming. Lottery Operator of the Year – Baba Ijebu. Awarded for innovation, integrity, and support for Lagos State’s good cause initiatives.

The Governor’s Awards for Industry Excellence: Presented by Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Lagos Commissioner for Youth and Sports, this special set of awards—issued on behalf of Governor Sanwo-Olu—recognized organizations whose leadership and contributions have significantly advanced the integrity and sustainability of the Lagos gaming industry. Gaming Sector – Doxxbet. Casino Sector – Federal Palace Hotels and Casino. Sports Betting Sector – BetKing. Lottery Sector – Baba Ijebu. These winners represent the highest standards of industry excellence, innovation, and regulatory alignment.

A night that reflected an industry on the rise

The 2025 Gaming Operators Gala & Awards Night was not just an evening of accolades—it was a statement about where the Lagos gaming industry is headed: forward, stronger, and more united than ever.

With regulators and operators committed to responsible growth, innovation, and public trust, Lagos continues to set the benchmark for gaming governance in Africa.

As Are aptly put it, the future of gaming in Lagos will be built on collaboration, integrity, and responsibility.