Cross River State Declares Stake.com an Unlicensed Gaming Operator
The Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency in Nigeria has declared Stake.com an unlicensed gaming operator and told residents to stop wagering on it. The public notice, signed by the agency's Director-General, Michael Eja, was published on 11 September 2026 by the Cross River State Government news service and reported the same day by Vanguard and TVC News.
What the Notice Says
Issued with the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN), the notice states that Stake.com is not licensed by Cross River or by any member state of the federation. The regulators allege that it has failed to register, declare or remit the monthly gaming taxes and levies that apply, despite at least 10 compliance notices over two years; Vanguard and TVC News report that those notices came from the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, a member of the federation.
The regulators base their action on the Supreme Court of Nigeria judgment of 22 November 2024 (SC/1/2008), which they say “reinforces the position that gaming operators must obtain the required state licence before offering gaming services within a state.” The step follows a similar notice from the Lagos authority, also issued with the FSGRN and reported on 10 September 2026 by iGaming Expert.
Who Is Asked to Act
Enforcement action is announced against Stake.com, its directors, and any payment company, financial institution, advertising platform, influencer or other entity facilitating its operations. The agency presents this as protecting consumers and minors, preserving market integrity and enforcing state law, including tax obligations.
Residents are asked to “discontinue wagering on Stake.com” and to use only operators licensed by the relevant state authority. Banks, payment service providers, fintech companies, media and advertising platforms are asked to carry out due diligence and “stop facilitating unlicensed gaming activities”. The notice, as published by the state government, sets no deadline and does not detail the enforcement steps.
What It Means Outside Nigeria
The notice comes from a Nigerian state regulator, is addressed to people and businesses in its state and says nothing about Stake.com’s standing in any other country. For a player in Europe, the relevant question is whether Stake.com is allowed where they live, which depends on the licence Stake.com holds and the regions its terms restrict, and legal availability in the player’s own country is part of judging whether Stake is safe and legit.
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