· Supreme Court Judgement 2024
Under his leadership, a landmark Supreme Court judgment was obtained, wherein the Court held that Lagos State and 22 other plaintiff States possess the constitutional autonomy to regulate lottery and gaming activities. This landmark ruling conclusively resolved the longstanding jurisdictional dispute between federal and state governments regarding gaming regulation, definitively vesting regulatory authority in the states.
· African Gaming Expo 2024
Commencement of the African Gaming Expo Conference, Mr. Bashir recognized the rapid expansion of Africa’s gaming industry and envisioned a conference that would facilitate dialogue, promote best practices, and attract investment into the sector. As the CEO of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA), he leveraged his influence to unite local and international regulatory bodies, policymakers, and gaming operators for the African Gaming Expo. Additionally, he played a key role in securing the participation of prominent financial institutions and sponsors, further strengthening the event’s impact.
· Digital Transformation and Compliance Enforcement
Bashir Are modernized Lagos’ gaming regulatory framework by introducing technology-driven compliance measures, including:
i) Geo-fencing and internet monitoring to prevent illegal gaming operators from targeting Lagos residents.
ii) Automated licensing and reporting systems, reducing regulatory bottlenecks and ensuring faster approvals for compliant operators.
iii) Strengthening Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) regulations, positioning Lagos as a transparent and investor-friendly gaming jurisdiction.
iv) Automated Revenue Assurance system -Real time.
About Mr. Bashir Are:
Bashir Are is a transformative force in Nigeria’s gaming industry. As CEO of LSLGA, he has spearheaded key reforms, driving substantial revenue growth while ensuring responsible gaming practices. His academic foundation includes a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Technology from the University of Maryland and an MBA from Salem University, complemented by a certificate from Harvard Business School. With a commitment to transparency, innovation, and partnerships, Bashir has positioned Nigeria as a leading destination for gaming investments.
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For more information about Mr. Bashir Are and his initiatives at the LSLGA, please read the full article in issue 5 of the iGaming AFRIKA Magazine here