Enugu State Government has shutdown some illegal and unlicensed gaming centres in different parts of the state capital.
The Executive Secretary of the State Gaming and Lotto Commission, Prince Arinze Arum, while addressing journalists during the enforcement exercise on Sunday, said the sealing was part of the commission’s renewed commitment against illegal gaming.
Some of the centres where the unlicensed jackpot slot machine games were sealed included Ballroom, Eclipse Resort, Edge Guest House, Guaranty Resort, Kepong Villa and Desa Park City Suite/Garden, operated by Yanga Game.
Arum issued a stern warning to those circumventing the law to be ready to face the repercussions, as the new technology deployed by the agency had geo-location capabilities that keep record of all licensed and approved gaming operators in the state.
The Executive Secretary said that the agency’s mandate included issuing licenses to gaming operators and monitoring their activities to ensure they comply with the laws governing gaming in the state.
“We have come out here today to enforce the rules and we are set to shut down and seal illegal gaming operating centres in the state. Government is serious about promoting responsible gaming.
“For us, it starts with knowing the players in the industry and the licensed operators. We must have a structured gaming ecosystem, and that begins with proper licensing.
“Anybody that is operating illegally, behind the scene, is already creating problems, and we will not tolerate that,” he said.
