The National Gaming Control Board will carry out its nationwide illegal gambling awareness commencing from June to September 2023.

The purpose of the awareness is to educate the public on the legalities of games and gaming activities and the penalties that will be applicable to charge perpetrators who engage in practising unlicensed or unlawful games in accordance with the Gaming Control Act 2007.

This awareness program is a follow-up from the first roll-out conducted in National Capital District in 2019.

The same program will be carried out to other parts of the country to educate the public of the unauthorised games before the laws and regulatory measures are enforced.

NGCB’s chief executive officer, Imelda Agon said the gaming industry has been diversified and soon new forms of games will be introduced in the country thus there is a need for prudent monitoring and regulation of illegal gaming activities and gaming businesses in the country.

“The safety and welfare of the people is always our number one priority when it comes to gaming and gambling activities thus making this awareness program important as ever,” Mrs Agon said.

“The public needs to be informed that not all games are licensed and lawful in the country.

There are certain games that are unlawful such as Hi-Lo, card games, bingo, and others.

“Therefore, it is important that the NGCB carry out the awareness to all parts of the country as many of the unauthorised games create social disorder and disharmony in the communities and NGCB is responsible to ensure people are aware of these illegal games and should not be involved.”

Mrs Agon said with the experience on the initial awareness in 2019, the NGCB is looking forward to carry out a comprehensive and interactive awareness and is keen to undertake public suggestions on how best NGCB can address some issues of illegal gaming.

The nationwide awareness program is set to be rolled out in the coming months from June to September of this year.