Anambra government speaks on banning betting outfits, casinos

The Anambra State government has explained reasons why gaming activities and betting have been banned in the state.

The Soludo led government has clarified the areas where these activities are banned in Anambra state, stating that it only suspended all betting outfits in hotels, restaurants and bars in the state.

The government said the suspension became necessary following alleged fraudulent activities perpetrated in the centres, adding that it has not banned the operations of Bet9ja and other betting outfits in the state.

The clarification was made via a statement jointly signed by  the state commissioners for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Homeland Affairs, and the Chairman of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service, Don Onyenji, Chikodi Anara, and Richard Madiebo, respectively.

According to the statement, operators of casino games machines and owners of hotels and bars of non-transparency in the payment of game winnings, which it said were serious violations.

“Consequently, the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service, AIRS and Ministry of Homeland Affairs hereby direct operators of casino games in hotels, restaurants and bars to suspend all game and casino operations with immediate effect pending the conclusion of investigations.”