Enugu shuts down illegal gaming operators

The Enugu State Government has intensified its clampdown on unlicensed gaming operators, shutting down four illegal outlets across the state.

The enforcement drive was carried out by the Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission, which said the affected outlets were operating without valid licenses and had failed to regularise their operations despite multiple notifications.

Executive Secretary of the Commission, Prince Arinze Arum, who led the operation, told journalists that the state would not stand by and allow some operators flout regulations.

“The Commission is charged with regulating gaming and lottery operations in Enugu State. This includes licensing operators and monitoring their activities to ensure they operate within the law,” Arum said.

He emphasised that the government is committed to promoting responsible gaming and building a structured, transparent gaming ecosystem.

“Licensed operators are part of a structured gaming ecosystem, and that begins with proper licensing. Anyone operating illegally behind the scenes is already creating problems—and we will not tolerate that,” he stated.

Arum disclosed that the four outlets shut down during the latest raid were mostly operating out of lounges, hotels, and bars.

“It’s a continuous effort until we rid the state of illegal operators. So far today, we’ve shut down four outlets, and the operation continues,” he said.

Responding to concerns about due process, Arum confirmed that the Commission had issued prior warnings to the operators. 

We discovered that these outlets were unlicensed. We wrote to them and engaged them, but they failed to provide verifiable information consistent with our licensing process,” he said.

Whatever they claim to have is shrouded in fraud. If you don’t regularise your operations, we will shut you down. We’ve given them enough time.”

He added that many of the sealed outlets were run by Yanga Games Technologies, a company not domiciled in Enugu State.

“Their business is not based in Enugu. They bring their machines into the state and operate without oversight. That is unacceptable.

“We are not singling out Yanga Games. We’ve also identified others like Doxx Bet, which is unknown to the Commission. We will shut down any operator found to be running without proper authorisation,” he added.

Arum clarified that the clampdown is not at odds with Governor Peter Mbah’s business-friendly agenda, but rather aligns with efforts to create a credible and regulated business environment.

“Governor Mbah’s vision is to grow Enugu’s economy sevenfold into a $30 billion economy. That requires entrenching the ease of doing business.

“In our sector, we’ve simplified the licensing process. From application to approval takes no more than seven days—and the entire process can be completed online.

“We won’t tolerate any attempt to circumvent that system. We know where every licensed outlet is. This enforcement exercise is about building investor confidence and ensuring that Enugu has a transparent and regulated gaming market,” Arum concluded.