The Cross River State Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal and non-compliant online lottery and sports betting operators in a decisive move to sanitize the gaming sector and protect players.

The Director-General of the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency, Michael Eja, disclosed this in Abuja, noting that the agency’s recent onboarding by Google USA has empowered it with new enforcement tools to regulate online operators more effectively.

Eja explained that the major challenge in the past was the inability to enforce compliance against online operators without a physical presence in the state.

“Without an enabling law, we couldn’t approach Google, but that has changed,” he said. “Thanks to the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Senator Prince Edet Bassey Otu, Governor of Cross River State, and the signing of the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law 2025, we now have both the law and the tools to act.”

He added that the agency can now request Google to remove content from illegal operators, block their advertisements, and pursue legal action against offenders.

“This is a win-win for everyone. Licensed operators under our agency can now advertise legally on Google platforms, while fraudulent operators will be blacklisted and sanctioned. Our duty is to monitor, enforce, and apply penalties where necessary,” Eja stated.

The DG commended Governor Otu for fostering a business-friendly environment that attracts genuine investors, urging all gaming operators to embrace transparency, accountability, and full compliance with state laws.

“Calabar is not just a place to do business—it’s a place to live and thrive,” he added.