The Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission has sealed some unlicensed gaming centres in different parts of the state capital.

Speaking with journalists during the enforcement on Sunday, the Executive Secretary of the commission, Arinze Arum, said the exercise 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.

Mr Arum warned those circumventing the law to be ready to face the repercussions, noting that the new technology deployed by the agency had geo-location capabilities that keep record of approved gaming operators in the state.

He said that the commission’s mandate included issuing licences to gaming operators and monitoring their activities to ensure they comply with the laws governing gaming in the state.

He stated, “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.’’

According to Mr Arum, the enforcement drive gives credence to Governor Peter Mbah’s vision of growing Enugu’s economy to $30 billion and to ensure the ease of doing business in every sector of the state’s economy.

He emphasised that the procedures for obtaining gaming licence in the state had become seamless and smooth that no excuse would be entertained for illegal or unlicensed operations.

He stated, “The commission has already deployed technology that reduced the time spent on the queue while waiting to obtain a gaming operator’s license, from months to only seven working days or less. The other good thing is that operators can apply for their licences online and in the comfort of their homes.’’

(NAN)