Lagos Launches SAFEPLAY Self-Exclusion Platform
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Key Takeaways:
- LSLGA has launched SAFEPLAY, Africa's first regulator-led, multi-operator self-exclusion program.
- The platform allows players to self-exclude uniformly across all licensed operators in Lagos State.
- It integrates directly with operator systems for centralized management and enhanced player protection.
The Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) has rolled out SAFEPLAY, marking a significant advancement in responsible gambling measures within Nigeria's online casino and broader iGaming sector. Recognized with the Regulatory Innovation Award from the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) at a recent conference, SAFEPLAY stands out as the continent's inaugural self-exclusion tool managed centrally by a regulator rather than individual operators.
This initiative enables players to register a single self-exclusion request that applies across all licensed gambling operators in Lagos State, preventing access to online casino games, sports betting, and other regulated activities. By integrating directly with operators' systems, SAFEPLAY ensures real-time enforcement and reduces the risk of players bypassing exclusions through multiple accounts or platforms. The tool addresses growing concerns over gambling harm in emerging markets, where rapid digital adoption has outpaced traditional safeguards.
For the online casino industry, SAFEPLAY sets a precedent for proactive, regulator-driven player protection in Africa. It aligns with global trends toward centralized harm-minimization tools, potentially influencing other jurisdictions in Latin America, Asia, or other African regions. Operators benefit from streamlined compliance, reduced reputational risks, and stronger trust from regulators and players. In a market where online gambling continues to expand, such innovations help balance growth with sustainability, potentially encouraging investment from software providers and payment platforms focused on compliant markets.
The award from IAGR highlights Lagos' leadership in resilient regulation, emphasizing what works in emerging environments: collaboration between regulators and operators to prioritize player welfare. As more African countries refine their iGaming frameworks, SAFEPLAY could serve as a model for scalable, tech-enabled solutions to mitigate problem gambling without stifling industry progress.
