Lagos, Nigeria – 19/03/2025 – The gaming industry in Africa celebrates a significant moment as Mr. Bashir Are, Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA), has been awarded the prestigious award of “iGaming AFRIKA Choice; Person of the Year 2024.”
This accolade was presented by iGaming AFRIKA Host, Zzini Ekeh and Former African Footballer of the Year, Emmanuel Adebayor during the closing ceremony of the highly acclaimed African Gaming Expo 2025, held at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.
The “iGaming AFRIKA Choice; Person of the Year” award is an annual recognition honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the growth and sustainability of the gaming sector across Africa with the award to Mr. Bashir being the inaugural edition of the recognitions. This initiative aims to spotlight exceptional leaders who positively impact the industry in Africa and promote the mission of responsible gaming, collaboration and Good Causes Projects.
During the award ceremony, Mr. Are expressed his gratitude, stating, “This Award is dedicated to partnerships across the globe. When you have authority, it comes with responsibility and accountability, and we will not disappoint.” His words resonate with the commitments made by the LSLGA to enhance the gaming landscape while facilitating societal development through the Good Causes Fund.
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Key Contributions by Mr. Bashir Are in His Tenure (2020-2024):
1. Unified Gaming Legislation:
- Successful enactment of a unified legal framework governing all gaming forms on April 19, 2021, under the approval of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
2. Good Causes Fund Initiatives:
- Allocation of revenue generated by LSLGA to support critical sectors including education, health, and infrastructure, furthering social welfare initiatives across Lagos State.
3. Highlighted Projects Under Bashir Are’s Leadership:
- Education:
- Construction of 12 classrooms at Luwase High School, Ijede, Lagos (2020-2021).
- Renovation and reconstruction of classrooms and laboratories in various schools across Lagos State.
- Health Initiatives:
- Medical fund allocations for multiple life-saving surgeries and treatments for residents.
- Environment & Sports:
- Sponsorship of various sports events, including the Lagos Junior Tennis Tournament and environmental initiatives such as beach clean-ups.
4. Greatest Achievement AS CEO
· Outstanding Increases in Revenue
Under Bashir Are’s visionary leadership at the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA), the agency has witnessed a tremendous increase in gaming revenues. His strategic initiatives, including enhanced regulatory enforcement, streamlined licensing processes, and the integration of digital tracking systems, have revolutionized revenue collection and accountability in the gaming sector. By implementing strict compliance measures, fostering investor confidence, and leveraging technology-driven oversight, he has successfully transformed the gaming landscape in Lagos.
· The Good Causes Funded Projects 2020
A major part of revenue generated from gaming activities contribute to the good fund cause Project which include laudable developmental projects in public infrastructure, education, healthcare and environment. These projects actively align with the THEMES + agenda which focuses on Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology; Making Lagos State a 21st Century Megacity, Entertainment & Tourism; and Security & Governance.
· Harmonization of gaming laws in Lagos State
Prior to his appointment, gaming in Lagos State was regulated by 5 (five) interconnected
gaming laws. He identified the need to amend these existing laws and consolidate them into a single document, which led to the establishment of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority Law 2021.
· 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.
About iGaming AFRIKA
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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