Ondo Govt Meets Sports Betting, Lottery, Pool Business Owners; Pledges Better Business Atmosphere

The Ondo state government on Wednessday concluded a 3-day familiarization meeting with promoters of Sports Betting, Lottery and Pool Business across the state.

This is aimed at providing a better atmosphere for the businesses to thrive.

The Chairman of the state pools betting and lotteries board, Mr. Akinroluyo Olajide Dickson, while addressing the company representatives, said the government of Ondo state has the growth and progress of their businesses in topmost priority, hence the need for the meeting.

He further noted that the Government has discovered that some promoters are working illegally without proper regulations in the state, and has decided to put a stop to that.

Mr. Akinroluyo also hinted on a possible review of state laws and payable charges on the business, in order to meeting present day realities, noting that the regulations presently used are old and obsolete.

He however assured the business representatives that government will be very modest and considerate in whatever adjustments that will be done.

Reacting to the Chairman’s speech, the business men thanked him for his efforts at relating with and carrying the companies along in the policies of the government, while pledging their total support and cooperation.

One of them, Mr. Shina who represented BetNaija however urged the government to intervene in the activities of signage agencies, as not all of them have outdoor banners. He urged the govt to create an enabling environment for them to thrive.

He also pleaded with the government to help reduce over taxation.

“we know you don’t want to kill our business, but you must do something about the fees”, he said.

The Chairman in a quick reaction promised to meet sisters organisation on the signage issue.

He added that govt will come up with reasonable price.

The pool business promoters in their submissions urged government to help check the excesses of some promoters, who act contrary to the generally agreed terms of business at the detriment of others.

The Chairman in his reaction said they need to adopt the principle of ‘community policing’, by reporting defaulters to the government for appropriate sanction.

The newspaper recalls that the state pools betting and lotteries board was constituted on the 19th of June, 2018.