ANAMBRA STATE GAMING BILL 2024  PASSES SECOND READING

By Chizoba Okeke :

The Anambra State Gaming Bill 2024, which seeks to regulate promotional lotteries, lotto, casinos, online sports betting, raffles and the likes operations in the state and connected purposes has passed second reading.

Sponsored by the Majority Leader and representative of Ekwusigo Constituency, Sir. Ikenna Ofodeme, the bill aimed to establish a structured and legal framework for gaming and betting operations across the state.

Leading the debate, Hon. Ofodeme emphasized that the bill is essential to boost the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state and address numerous social challenges linked to unregulated gaming. 

He noted that many gaming activities in the state often lack oversight, leading to conflicts, and violent confrontations, between participants.

The Majority Leader said the bill will mandate that every gaming center operating within the state must register with the appropriate authorities and renew their licenses annually.

The bill was supported by the member, representing Aguata Constituency 1, Hon. Anayo Okpaleke, his Anambra East counterpart, Barr. Obi Nweke and the member representing Orumba South Constituency, Engr Emma Nwafor, others.

The Speaker, Rt Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, read the bill for the second time and was unamiously adopted through voice votes.

*Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State