The National Lottery Authority (NLA) says it is on a crusade to rid the lotto industry of unlicensed practitioners, enforce compliance with regulations and ensure that the public is saved from scams.
According to the NLA Board Chair, Gary Nimako, this year alone, the Authority had worked to formalise the operations of 28 unlicensed operators across the country.
At the maiden Ghana Gaming and Lottery Awards 2024 held in Accra on Friday, he said the Authority was poised to create a safe environment for the industry to thrive.
Organised by Syndicated Entertainment Solution, NLA and the Gaming Commission, the awards aim to honour the contributions of key players, innovation, customer service and adherence to best practices.
Mr Nimako explained that the lottery business in the country was strictly regulated by law, requiring operators to be licensed, but many companies had been operating illegally, which posed risks to the public.
To ensure transparency and public awareness, he said the NLA had published a list of licensed operators in the dailies and on its website and urged the public to engage only with these companies.
The Board Chair called on the public to report any unlicensed activities to the authorities, because maintaining the integrity of the lottery system required collective effort.
The Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Diana Asonaba Dapaah, said the outfit had been collaborating with the Gaming Commission and the NLA to prosecute illegal operators to promote responsible gaming and public awareness.
Noting that there had been some improvement in the system, she said compliance with legal standards was essential for economic growth and integrity, for which reason the goal was to integrate all operators into a regulated framework for national benefit.
The NLA Director-General, Samuel Awuku, expressed joy in recognising the contributions of industry players, particularly those who work tirelessly behind the scenes, such as retailers and agents.
He commended the partnership with Syndicated Entertainment Solution for organising the awards, emphasising the importance of acknowledging these unsung heroes who significantly impact their communities and the nation.
The Gaming Commission Deputy CEO, Kobby Annan, stated that technology used by licensed companies like KGL and TechEd was crucial in combating illegal lottery operations, as it required permits from regulatory bodies.
He noted that the limited frequency of lottery draws significantly reduces the risk of addiction, while also addressing the need to change the negative perception surrounding the industry.
The CEO of Syndicated Entertainment Solution, Manuella Ansong, congratulated award winners for excellence, compliance, and innovation which had redefined gaming and lottery.
About 20 companies and individuals honoured at the event included Millionaires Casino Ghana Limited, which was adjudged Gaming Operator of the Year, while Alpha Lotto Limited won Private Lottery Operator of the Year.
BY JONATHAN DONKOR
