Global Gaming Africa has announced plans to co-host the maiden Lagos International Poker Tournament as part of an initiative to establish the city as the Las Vegas of Africa.
To be held in the third quarter of this year the event will be a showpiece event for Nigeria, a region often overlooked on the world poker circuit. “It has been endorsed by the Lagos State Government as part of its initiative to drive tourism as well as grow the untapped casino industry. The industry, which experienced a hit as a result of government’s ban on slot machine importation in the late 1970s’, is gradually witnessing resurgence,” commented Yahaya Maikori, partner at Law allianz.
“For industry pundits the state governments’ endorsement was not surprising as the Governor has never hid- den his dream of making Lagos state the Las Vegas of Africa. To show further support the Ministry of Culture will bring its weight to bare, by organizing guided tours for players to key tourist spots which the famous slave trade market in badagry and cultural shows,” he added.
Independent research shows that poker is incredibly popular in the nation – especially amongst its expatriate communities who play mostly in private.
