Premium News
The Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Commission has sealed outlets of a popular gaming operator for alleged failures in licence and fee payments.
The state government regulator accused the operator of inability to remit statutory fees after several engagements, hence the sting operation against the gaming outlets.
The commission said the action was carried out in line with the Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Law and backed by a court order.
The Executive Secretary of the commission, Prince Arinze Arum, said the enforcement followed repeated communications, warnings and regulatory notices which the operator allegedly ignored.
He said efforts were made to resolve the issues administratively, particularly regarding licence revalidation and outstanding financial obligations, but the company failed to comply.
“We are here to enforce compliance with the Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Law. We had several communications with KC Gaming concerning regulatory breaches, including financial responsibilities to the state, but they neglected our entreaties,” Arum said.
He stressed that the shutdown would not be limited to the head office but would extend to all Bet9ja outlets operating in Enugu State.
“This is a total shutdown. We are commencing with their office and will proceed to shut down all their outlets across the state. No operator is above the law,” he said.
On the nature of the alleged infractions, Arum said the company failed to revalidate its operational licence as directed and ignored demand notices for outstanding gaming fees.
He added that gaming fees and taxes imposed on operators were based on professional assessments and not arbitrary decisions.
“No operator can claim that the Enugu State Government is billing them arbitrarily. The fees and taxes are based on proper assessments, and operators understand how these are determined,” he stated.
Arum said the enforcement was aimed at promoting a properly regulated gaming environment that protects players and ensures fairness among operators.
“If you comply with the gaming laws, the commission and the state government will support you. But we cannot allow persistent violations, as that sends the wrong signal to others,” he added.
He confirmed that the commission obtained a court order before carrying out the operation.
The order, issued by the High Court of Enugu State, Enugu Judicial Division, presided over by Justice H. O. Eya, authorised the commission to seal and restrict access to the gaming premises of the respondent over failure to remit assessed gross gaming revenue.
The order followed an ex parte motion filed on January 22, 2026, pursuant to the Enugu State Gaming Commission (Amended) Law, 2025, and the state’s High Court Rules.
The court directed that the order would subsist pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice, with February 10, 2026 fixed for further proceedings.
The commission maintained that the action forms part of broader efforts to sanitise the gaming sector, strengthen regulatory compliance and ensure operators meet their statutory obligations.
