As part of Enugu State Gaming Commission’s efforts to phase out all unlicensed gaming operations in the State, the Commission has sealed several unauthorised gaming outlets operating within the State capital.
BusinessDay reports that the crackdown was targeted at jackpot machine operations managed by Yanga Game at popular entertainment venues including Ballroom, Eclipse Resort, Edge Guest House, Guaranty Resort, Kepong Villa, and Desa Park City Suite/Garden.
Arinze Arum, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, who spoke to journalists, at the weekend, stated that the Agency was fully committed to regulating the gaming industry in line with State Laws.
He emphasised that the Commission’s responsibilities include licensing gaming operators and monitoring compliance with relevant regulations.
“We are here to enforce the rules. The Government is serious about promoting responsible gaming, and that begins with knowing the licensed players in the industry. We must have a structured and lawful gaming ecosystem”, Arum said.
He warned those operating behind without proper approval that the Commission had deployed advanced technologies with geo-location capabilities to track and monitor all licensed outlets across the State.
“Anyone attempting to operate under the radar is already creating problems, and we will not tolerate that. We know where every approved gaming outlet is located,” he said.
Arum said that the licensing process in Enugu had been streamlined in support of Governor Peter Mbah’s economic vision to grow the State’s economy .
“Under the current administration, acquiring a gaming license has become seamless. The process, which previously took months, now takes just seven working days or less. Applications can also be completed online from the comfort of one’s home”, he explained.
He added that there is no justification for operating illegally in a system designed for transparency and accessibility.
