Mr. Don Onyenji, the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, has responded that the existing law in Anambra permits the operations of lottery and betting services as opposed to the circulating news.
A press release was made on Saturday and signed by the Commissioner, and it contained the statements below.
“Due to the instructions given to operators of casino games working in restaurants and hotels in Anambra to suspend their services, several rumors have come to the hearing of the government.”
“The reason for the ban in the first place is the various petitions submitted on perceived false practices, dishonesty, and not paying players as required.”
New guidelines in the press release stated, “The Anambra State Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism together with the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service AIRS and the Ministry of Homeland Affairs urge all Casino Games operations within Hotels, Restaurants and Bars should be suspended immediately.”
A meeting will hold with all Hotel Owners and Bars in Anambra to debate topics like safety, policy issues, and other services. “It is disappointing that some people in public decided to add the ban of lottery and betting activities and organizations to this.” He said.
He further re-stated that the suspension was not for all in this sector. It only applies to hotels and other outfits which players complained about. And it is a temporary shutdown. The Commissioner assured that the government’s priority is to protect the players, and when this is settled, all banned operators will be free to conduct their businesses again.