The Enugu State Government has intensified its efforts to sanitise the gaming industry by sealing four gaming centres operating without the requisite approvals and licenses.
This enforcement action is part of the state’s ongoing crackdown on all unregistered and illegal gaming outlets within its jurisdiction.
The Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission, Prince Arinze Arum, who led the enforcement operation, disclosed this to journalists during the exercise which commenced on Friday.
He revealed that the sealed centres were mostly situated within lounges, hotels, and bars, adding that many of them were operated by Yanga Games Technologies and Doxx Bets.
Arum emphasized that the state government, under Governor Peter Mbah‘s administration, remains committed to promoting responsible gaming practices and ensuring the creation of a structured, transparent, and regulated gaming ecosystem.
According to him, the commission has the statutory mandate to regulate gaming and lottery activities in Enugu State by licensing operators and monitoring their compliance with relevant laws and guidelines.
“We have come out today to enforce the rules,” Arum declared. “The Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Commission is empowered to regulate the sector by ensuring that all operators are duly licensed and compliant with the regulations guiding their operations.”
He lamented that some operators were taking undue advantage of the enabling business environment created by the government by engaging in illegal gaming operations despite being served several warning notices by the commission.
Arum described such actions as unacceptable and warned that the commission would no longer tolerate any operator who chooses to flout the laws of the state.
“Licensed operators are integral to a well-structured gaming ecosystem, and that journey begins with securing the proper licenses and documentation.
“Anyone operating illegally is not just violating the law, but also undermining the industry’s credibility and sustainability. We will not condone such infractions,” he warned.
The executive secretary further advised all gaming and lottery operators to regularize their status by obtaining the necessary licenses and regulatory documentation before establishing or continuing their operations.
He noted that failure to comply would result in the sealing of business premises and other enforcement actions, which may embarrass the defaulters.
Arum reiterated that the commission’s clampdown is not aimed at stifling businesses but at protecting and encouraging legitimate operators in the sector.
He noted that many licensed outlets are operating smoothly and without interference from the authorities because they have complied with the law.
“Illegal operations are detrimental to the industry. That is why we are focused on building a properly structured gaming ecosystem that inspires investor confidence and ensures the sustainability of the industry,” he concluded.