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The Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission (ESGC) has issued a statement denying any association with Betjapa, an online betting platform that recently vanished amid numerous player complaints about unpaid winnings and allegations of a forged license.
In a public release dated November 26, 2025, the ESGC clarified that Betjapa never received authorization to operate in Enugu State or anywhere else in Nigeria.
The Commission condemned Betjapa’s use of a counterfeit ESGC license, labelling it as “criminal misrepresentation.” Additionally, the ESGC announced its intent to pursue legal action against those behind fraudulent activities.
Over 400,000 Naira in individual payouts not received
Betjapa, which offered a range of services including sports betting, virtual games, and casino products, went offline in mid-November, leaving thousands of Nigerian users with no access to their accounts.
Many players report they are still waiting for individual payouts ranging from ₦16,000 (€9.56) to over ₦400,000 (€238.8). Most users only realized there was a problem when the site stopped functioning, and customer support ceased to respond.
DME Systems ordered to pay regulatory fines
The platform operated using FlexBet, a white-label sportsbook engine developed by DME Systems Limited, a technology firm based in Douala, Cameroon.
According to the Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission (ESGC), Betjapa prominently displayed a fake license certificate on its homepage, featuring the Commission’s name and logo, though it was never issued by the regulator.
In response to the situation, the ESGC sent a formal; demand to DME Systems over two weeks ago, requesting the company to identify its local Nigerian partners and pay the necessary regulatory fines.
The Commission also asked for a proper license application to be submitted if the company intended to continue operations in the state. However, DME Systems did not address these requests. Instead, as complaints began circulating widely on social media, the company took Betjapa offline and issued selective refunds to only a small number of users.
Prince Arinze Arum, Executive Secretary of the ESGC, said in the official statement: “Their refusal to obey regulatory directives and the sudden closure of the platform after public outcry clearly show an attempt to avoid responsibility. This is deliberate exploitation of Nigerian citizens through illegal gaming activities.”
Operators threatened sanctions
The Enugu gaming regulator has issued a stern warning to all operators, stating that any use of DME Systems’ technology in Nigeria without a valid local license will result in sanctions.
Additionally, the Commission indicated that representatives from the Cameroonian firm could face arrest if they enter Nigeria. It emphasized its commitment to exploring international legal avenues to seek compensation for damages and safeguard its reputation.
Players who have been affected by the issues surrounding Betjapa are being encouraged to submit formal reports through the ESGC portal. The regulator emphasized that any legitimate licensing applications or inquiries should always go through official channels and never be handled by third-party agents or foreign technology providers.
This incident marks yet another failure of unlicensed platforms in Nigeria this year. It comes as state gaming commissions ramp up efforts to enhance oversight and streamline regulations, particularly following the Supreme Court’s ruling that stripped the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) of certain powers.
Industry insiders are also suggesting that this case may accelerate plans to establish a public registry of approved technology suppliers to prevent similar issues in the future.
Source: Focus Gaming News
