About 60% of Ghana’s lottery market held by illegal lottery operators — Sammi Awuku

Samuel Awuku, Member of Parliament for Akuapem North and former Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), has raised concerns about the increasing dominance of illegal lottery operators in Ghana’s lottery industry.

According to him, these unregulated operators control about 60% of the country’s lottery market, denying the state millions in potential revenue annually.

Addressing Parliament on challenges within Ghana’s lottery sector, Mr. Awuku described illegal operations as “the bane of the lottery and gambling industry.”

He revealed that illegal lottery operators have taken a significant share of the market, depriving the government of much-needed funds.

“The proliferation of unlicensed operations denies the state millions of revenues annually,” he lamented

Section 4(2) of the National Lotto Act, 2006 (Act 722) prescribes a maximum fine of 2,500 penalty units or a prison term of up to three years for offenders.

These penalties, the former NLA boss argued, are insufficient, as many illegal operators have “deep pockets” and can easily afford to pay the fines and resume operations.

He called on Parliament to amend the existing law to impose stricter sanctions, including higher fines and longer jail terms, as well as the forfeiture of assets acquired through illegal activities.

“If these measures are implemented, Ghana can reclaim the market and significantly boost state revenue,” he added.

Mr. Awuku also suggested that the NLA should offer tax incentives to encourage illegal operators to register and operate under the authority’s regulation.

He expressed optimism that resolving the issue of illegal operators could help the NLA rake in over GHS 600 million in annual revenue.