The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) has declared Stake.com unrecognised as a tax-registered and compliant gaming operator in Kaduna State, pending the platform’s full compliance with applicable regulatory and tax requirements.

KADIRS, in a statement, directed Stake.com to immediately regularise its operations in the state by registering with the Service, declaring its taxable activities and income, filing all applicable returns and paying outstanding taxes and other statutory revenues.

The Service also required the gaming platform to maintain accurate records and comply with other requirements prescribed by relevant laws and regulatory authorities.

The position followed recent regulatory actions against Stake.com, with gaming regulators alleging that the platform failed to register its operations, declare applicable activities and remit required gaming taxes and levies despite previous compliance notices.

KADIRS said its position was also in line with the decision of the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) regarding Stake.com and similar administrative and regulatory decisions taken by other states.

The tax authority further cited the Supreme Court judgment in Attorney-General of Lagos State & Ors v. Attorney-General of the Federation & Ors, Suit No. SC/1/2008, delivered on November 22, 2024, as an important legal basis for state-level regulation of gaming activities.

According to KADIRS, the Supreme Court held that the National Assembly lacked constitutional authority to legislate on lottery and games of chance as a nationwide matter, while affirming the powers of state Houses of Assembly to legislate on and regulate lottery within their respective jurisdictions.

The court consequently nullified the National Lottery Act 2005 as applicable to the states, while recognising the distinct constitutional position of the Federal Capital Territory.

KADIRS said the judgment established an important legal precedent requiring gaming operators to comply with applicable state licensing, regulatory and tax requirements before carrying out gaming activities within a state.

The Service therefore directed Stake.com to regularise its status and fulfil all applicable regulatory and tax obligations before it can be recognised for taxable operations in Kaduna State.

It also advised individuals, agents, businesses and institutions engaging with Stake.com in connection with taxable activities within Kaduna State to exercise due diligence and ensure that all statutory requirements have been met.

KADIRS said it remained committed to protecting the integrity of the state’s revenue system, enforcing tax laws and working with relevant regulatory authorities to promote a transparent and properly regulated gaming environment.

The Service urged Stake.com to comply with all applicable registration, tax, licensing and regulatory requirements without further delay. (TRIBUNE)