The Association of Nigerian Bookmakers has urged the Kaduna State government to unseal betting shops it shut down over alleged non registration.

A statement signed by the Executive Secretary
of the association, urged the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) to reopen discussion with operators on the proposed regulatory framework for Kaduna State.

According to the statement:

“1. The Association of Nigerian Bookmakers is the national trade association of sports betting operators and our attention has been drawn to the recent forceful closure of several sports betting shops across Kaduna State by officials of Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) under the guise of alleged non registration and refusal to pay certain ‘debts’.

2. This came to us as a rude shock especially in the light of the prohibitive regulatory framework the KADIRS seeks to enforce on operators by this act.

3. Deliberations were ongoing with respect to the proposed regulatory framework and operators have submitted documentations to KADIRS stating their position.

4. During the pendency of deliberations as aforementioned and without a feedback to operators, KADIRS moved to enforcement. This move, to say the least, was done malafide and sends a message that the State is creating a hostile environment for investors which is at variance with the government’s policy to encourage investment in our economy.

5. We therefore urge KADIRS to act in good faith by unsealing forthwith all sports betting shops hitherto sealed up by its officials and reopen discussion with operators on the proposed regulatory framework for Kaduna State.”