Despite Crackdown, Teenage Gamblers On The Prowl In Enugu

Despite efforts by the state government, teenage gamblers are on the prowl in different gambling houses in Enugu State.

LEADERSHIP investigation revealed that some of the gamblers are from various primary and secondary schools in the state.

Further checks revealed that most of them remove their school uniforms and hide them in their bags before entering the gambling houses.

The ages of the gamblers are between 11 and 18 years.

An operator of one of the gambling houses in Maryland Estate, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they were finding it difficult to know the real ages of the gamblers.

“Yes, we have been warned not to allow teenagers into our offices, but it is difficult to know their ages; some are so grown up that you take them for adults.

“Most times, when we ask them their age, they will lie to us that they are above 18 years and because they look mature, you will not doubt it. That is the problem that we are facing.

“Personally, I’m not happy that teenagers are gambling in Enugu. The government has tried to discourage this ugly development, but these children have refused to listen,” he stated.

Our correspondent observed that some operators of the gambling houses have put in place strict measures to discourage teenage gambling and even go to the extent of punishing those involved.

The Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission recently apprehended 21 underage lotto/game players in an outlet in Independence Layout, Enugu.

The apprehended underage, who were between the ages of 12 and 15, were handed over to the state Ministry for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development.

The commission’s executive secretary, Chief Arinze Arum, confirmed the arrest to journalists.
However, investigations carried out by our correspondent revealed that the development is still rearing its ugly head in some parts of the state.