Government Of Anambra Makes U-Turn, Denies Shutting Down Casinos, Gaming Centres

Government of Anambra has denied shutting down casinos and Game centres and has urged the operators to disregard the information in circulation and carry on with their various businesses.

The latest directives are contained in a press release signed by the Commissioner For Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr Don Onyenji in Awka on Saturday.

“The attention of the Anambra state Government has been drawn to the various misinterpretations of its directives to operators of Casino Games domiciled in hotels and restaurants in the state to suspend their operations.

“This was as a result of written and video petitions on suspected fraudulent practices, lack of transparency and non-payment of Game winnings to players.

Part of the directives reads ‘The Anambra State Ministry of Culture, Entertainment And Tourism in collaboration with the Anambra state Internal Revenue Service AIRS and the Ministry of Homeland Affairs hereby directs all operators of Casino Games within Hotels, Restaurants and Bars to suspend all operations with immediate effect.

“The suspension will last until the conclusion of investigations,” he said.