The Lagos State gaming industry witnessed a landmark celebration as the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) hosted the prestigious 2025 Gaming Operators Gala & Awards Night, an event dedicated to recognizing exceptional performance, regulatory compliance, innovation, and community impact across Nigeria’s gaming ecosystem.
This year’s gala brought together industry leaders, innovators, and operators who continue to shape Lagos State’s regulated betting and gaming landscape. The awards highlighted outstanding achievements across multiple categories, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to safer gaming, customer-centricity, and responsible operations.
Celebrating Excellence Across Key Categories
In the Customer Experience, Community Impact, and Responsible Gaming category, several operators distinguished themselves:
Betway secured the Customer-Centric Award, standing out for delivering exceptional player experiences ahead of nominees such as Betano, SportyBet, and Bet9ja.
BetPawa was honoured with the Safer Gaming Leader Award for its proactive, data-driven approach to player protection.
BetKing received the Community Impact Award for initiatives that uplift local communities, surpassing Bet9ja, Betano, and Baba Ijebu.
Gamble Alert earned the Responsible Gaming Advocacy Award, recognized for promoting safe gambling and public awareness across Lagos State.
1xBet took home the Best Sponsorship Programme Award, applauded for youth-focused and sustainability-driven initiatives.
Recognizing Innovation and Operational Leadership
The gala also spotlighted operators driving operational efficiency and technological advancement:
Winners Golden Chance Lotto received the Operational Excellence Award for its consistency and regulatory alignment.
SportyBet was named Gaming Innovator of the Year for pioneering tech-driven solutions that elevate user engagement.
Doxxbet earned the Compliance Power-House Award for exemplary regulatory adherence.
Football.com clinched the Rising Star Award following rapid growth and impressive market performance.
Sector-Specific Leaders Shine Bright
Outstanding operators across various gaming segments were also celebrated:
Hotfun – 9Jackpot: Gaming Machine Operator of the Year
Jacaranda Casino: Casino Operator of the Year
Bet9ja: Sports Betting Operator of the Year
Baba Ijebu: Lottery Operator of the Year
Each winner demonstrated excellence in compliance, operational innovation, and customer engagement.
Governor’s Special Recognition Awards
The evening concluded with the Governor’s Special Recognition Awards, personally endorsed by His Excellency Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, honoring institutions whose contributions continue to positively shape the Lagos gaming sector. Recipients included:
- Doxxbet
- Federal Palace Hotels & Casino
- BetKing
- Baba Ijebu
Corporate Partners Also Celebrated
The gala also acknowledged corporate organizations whose partnerships strengthen the state’s gaming environment:
MTN Communications PLC won Telco Company of the Year.
Wema Bank PLC received Banking Platform of the Year for seamless payment integrations.
Seven Up Bottling Company took home FMCG Company of the Year for impactful consumer engagement initiatives.
iBetAfrica’s Perspective
As Africa’s leading iGaming information hub, iBetAfrica commends the LSLGA for once again setting the pace in regulatory excellence and stakeholder recognition. Events like this reinforce the importance of a responsible, innovative, and community-driven gaming industry—key pillars that continue to propel Nigeria’s gaming ecosystem forward.
The 2025 Gala not only celebrated outstanding operators but also reflected the growing sophistication of Lagos State’s regulated gaming market. iBetAfrica remains committed to spotlighting these milestones, promoting responsible gaming, and championing the growth of Africa’s wider iGaming landscape.
