The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has disclosed that Ghana is losing more than GH¢1 billion every year to illegal lottery operations, highlighting the growing threat the illicit industry poses to government revenue and national development.
Director-General of the NLA, Mohammed Abdul-Salam, revealed the figure while addressing delegates at the 2026 European Lotteries (EL) Industry Days held in Marrakesh, Morocco.
Speaking on the theme, “The fight against illegal gambling as a significant growing issue in Africa,” Mr. Abdul-Salam called for stronger collaboration among lottery operators, regulators and policymakers to combat illegal gambling across the continent.
According to him, the estimated annual loss of more than GH¢1 billion, equivalent to about US$85 million, deprives the country of resources that could be invested in critical sectors such as education, healthcare and youth development.
He noted that Ghana is not alone in facing the challenge, pointing to countries including Benin and South Africa, where illegal gambling continues to erode public revenues. South Africa, he said, records losses estimated at more than US$30 billion from illicit gaming activities.
Mr. Abdul-Salam stressed that addressing illegal lottery operations requires urgent and coordinated action to prevent further revenue leakages and protect the integrity of the gaming industry.
As part of efforts to tackle the problem, he said the NLA is pursuing several initiatives, including deploying advanced technology to disrupt lottery fraud and syndicates, introducing modern point-of-sale (POS) devices for retailers, strengthening responsible gaming measures and seeking legislative reforms to enhance the National Lotto Act.
He added that the Authority is also leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives to strengthen public confidence in the regulated lottery sector.
“For every amount lost to an illegal lottery operator, a child is denied education, a community is denied a health facility, the youth lose opportunities, and the economy loses resources that could improve the lives of citizens,” he said.
Other speakers at the conference, including European Lotteries President Romana Girandon and African Lotteries Association Secretary-General Omar Skalli, underscored the need for greater international cooperation, stronger regulatory frameworks and increased use of technology to combat illegal gambling while promoting responsible gaming.
Held under the theme “Lotteries Bridging Continents,” the 2026 European Lotteries Industry Days brought together stakeholders from Europe and Africa to share best practices, explore digital innovations and strengthen collaboration in addressing emerging challenges in the gaming sector.
The National Lottery Authority has been an Observer Member of the European Lotteries organisation since June 2024.
Source: businesspostonline
