Governor determined to ban gambling in province

EASTERN Highlands Governor Peter Numu, is determined to ban poker machines in Eastern Highlands.
He said a blanket ban would be imposed on poker machines in the province along with other forms of gambling that involve money.
Numu announced his intention to ban gambling last Friday at the Asaro government station in Daulo district during the launch of the district’s five-year development plan.
His announcement was made after Daulo MP Pogio Ghate had said he wanted gambling using card games stopped in the district.
“I will get the provincial executive council to resolve to ban pokies and all forms of gambling in the province,” he said.
Numu said pokies and gambling brought about social and family problems.
Unggai-Bena MP and Minister for Agriculture Benny Allan earlier raised concerns over the increase in liquor trading and gambling in Goroka and Kainantu towns.