Oyo moves to regulate, improve gaming industry

Oyo State government, through the Oyo State Gaming Board, has engaged operators and other stakeholders, to chart a path to enhancing the business in the state.

At a stakeholders forum, held in Ibadan, Secretary to the State Government, Olubamiwo Adeosun, said the engagement was necessary to make gaming more diverse and inclusive in terms of age, sexuality, disability, gender and social-economic background, as this would increase the opportunities in the sector and beyond.

We are aware that there hasn’t been a level playing ground in the past and it is not enough to just create a level playing ground; rather, people who are different should have the same opportunity accessible to others.

“For the business and agencies in the Oyo state gaming board, being diverse means re-organising, valuing and taking accounts to share knowledge, skills, experiences and opportunities and to reach the full potential of this sector. Diversity can add value and can widen benefits in relation to the issue,” – Adeosun said.

Director-General of the board, Olajide Boladuro, said they are making moves to ensure inclusiveness and to also ensure there are regulations in the industry, such as women’s inclusion and the ban on underage gambling.

“There are stiff penalties if you are caught, three-year prison term and a sum of N500, 000 for operators caught in underage gambling,”

Oyo State Commissioner For Youth and Sports, Seun Fakorede, said the forum was relevant for the growth and development of the sector.

He added:

“This is a very relevant sector, as it will affect the economy. When it comes to gaming, most participants are youths. It is this necessary to let people know the role of this board. We are also focused on inclusiveness in this government, as we are preaching this in the government, so we want all sectors to embrace diversity and inclusiveness.”

Source: guardian.ng

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Samuel

I am a journalist specializing in gambling in Africa and around the world. I am particularly interested in stories about games and casinos.

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Samuel

I am a journalist specializing in gambling in Africa and around the world. I am particularly interested in stories about games and casinos.