NLA Cracks Down on Illegal Lottery Operators Amid Revenue Slump
The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has intensified its efforts to crack down on illegal lottery operators, citing political interference as a significant obstacle in its quest to tackle the issue.
According to the Director-General of the NLA, Sammy Awuku, the authority’s revenue has declined substantially from GH₵400 million in 2017 to GH₵200 million in 2021.
Mr. Awuku revealed that there are approximately 780 illegal lottery operators in Ghana, with the World Lotto Association estimating the annual lottery market to be around GH₵1.8 billion.
He noted that illegal operators control around GH₵1 billion of this market, evading taxes and remaining unidentified.
To address this challenge, the NLA has resolved to take a firm stance against unlicensed lottery operations, emphasizing that only licensed operators will be permitted to conduct lottery activities. The authority is also grappling with a loss of at least GH₵1 billion to black market lottery operations, as reported by the Attorney General’s report discussed at the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament.
In response, Mr. Awuku stated that the NLA has intensified its enforcement efforts, conducting swoops and shutting down unlicensed operators. The Board has resolved that henceforth, no individual or entity will be allowed to operate a lottery without proper licensing. “The NLA will ensure that regardless of one’s status, if they are not licensed to operate the lottery, they will not be permitted to do so,” he said.
By Lawrence Odoom
