The Zambia Gaming Association (ZGA) says it will in the next few days commence a nationwide exercise to ascertain compliance levels of the Presidential directives for Casinos and slot gaming machine businesses operating across the country.
Association Public Relations Director Simon Lungu told Money FM News that this is because some business houses involved in slot businesses have continued disobeying President Edgar Lungu’s directives to suspend operations as a mitigating measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Mr Lungu said while some business entities like Casinos are fully complying with the directive meant to avoid overcrowding, some entities involved in Slot Businesses especially in the townships are not adhering to the instruction with impunity.
“The Zambia Gaming Association is concerned that some business houses involved in slot businesses have continued flouting President Edgar Lungu’s directives to suspend operations as a mitigating measure to curtail further spread of the COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus.”
He advised ZGA members to endeavour to work closely with the government in supplementing efforts of fighting the pandemic that has ravaged the globe including Zambia.
“Zambia currently has one of the highest recovery rates with almost 50% of recorded cases having been discharged. ZGA, therefore, does not want its members to contribute in reversing the gains attained thus far by the government through various measures being employed,” Mr Lungu said.
And ZGA Chairman Gift Simusamba warned all businesses that are regulated by the association that it will not hesitate to recommend revocation of their licenses to the Ministry of Finance if found wanting.
Mr Simusamba said while acknowledging that the gaming industry plays a key role in Zambia’s economic makeup and job creation, there is need for all stakeholders whether foreign or indigenous Zambians to observe the laid down laws and presidential directives.
“ZGA will in the next few days commence a nationwide exercise to ascertain compliance levels of the Presidential directives for Casinos and slot gaming machine businesses operating across the country,” he stated.