In a bid to contain fraudulent and criminal activities in the state, Anambra state government has ordered the immediate suspension of operations of all gaming centres.

A statement jointly signed by the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment; Tourism, Donatus Onyenji, Chairman, Anambra State Internal Revenue Service; Richard Madiebo and the Commissioner for Homeland Affairs, Chikodi Angra, said that the government received a worrisome number of petitions pertaining the manipulation of casino machines and non-transparency in payment for winnings.

“This fraudulent practice will not be allowed to thrive under the watch of Prof Chukwuma Soludo’s administration and therefore must be dealt with immediately.

“Consequently, the Anambra State Government hereby directs operators of casino games in hotels, restaurants and bars to suspend all gaming and casino operations with immediate effect pending the conclusion of investigations.

“The government has therefore called for a meeting of all hotel owners and managers in the state on October 21 at the Dora Akunyili women development centre.”