NIGERIA – Gamble Alert and the Imo State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (ISLGA) have strengthened efforts to improve player protection and regulatory compliance in Southern Nigeria following the conclusion of the 2026 South-East/South-South Responsible Gaming Capacity Building Programme (SESSRG).

The two-day initiative brought together gaming regulators, operators and agents to equip industry stakeholders with practical knowledge and tools for identifying gambling-related risks, promoting responsible gaming behaviours and integrating player protection measures into everyday operations.

Fisayo Oke, Chief Executive Officer of Gamble Alert, emphasised the importance of translating responsible gaming awareness into practical action, noting that effective player protection requires shared responsibility among regulators, gaming operators and frontline agents.

According to Oke, responsible gaming must extend beyond regulatory compliance and awareness campaigns to become an integral part of how gaming businesses operate and engage with players.

The programme combined interactive lectures, group assessments and practical exercises designed to challenge common gambling misconceptions and strengthen participants’ understanding of responsible gaming principles.

A key feature was Gambito, an educational board game developed by Gamble Alert to reinforce responsible gaming knowledge through interactive learning. Participants also took part in responsible gaming-themed charades and collaborative exercises aimed at encouraging the practical application of lessons learned.

Oke further stressed the need for sustained stakeholder education, effective regulatory oversight and greater industry accountability to ensure that responsible gaming principles translate into meaningful player protection.

The collaboration with ISLGA reflects growing efforts to strengthen responsible gaming capacity at the subnational level, particularly among industry participants whose daily activities directly influence player experiences and gambling-related risks.

The conclusion of SESSRG 2026 provides a foundation for continued cooperation between Gamble Alert and ISLGA in advancing responsible gaming education, strengthening compliance practices and promoting safer gambling environments across the South-East, South-South and wider Nigerian gaming industry.