Sammi Awuku, former Director-General of Ghana’s National Lottery Authority (NLA), has called for intensified government action and international collaboration to eliminate illegal lottery operations.
His remarks followed a July 2025 interview with Public Gaming International Magazine, where he emphasized redirecting lottery profits toward public welfare.
Awuku reportedly stated that illegal operators undermine societal benefits by evading taxes and consumer protections. “They are stealing from our people,” he asserted, contrasting licensed lotteries—which fund schools and hospitals—with illicit ventures that “enrich private shareholders.”
He proposed three key measures:
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Stronger Penalties: Fines alone are ineffective against well-funded illegal networks; sanctions must “hurt” operations.
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Global Licensing Bans: Companies operating illegally in one country should be barred globally.
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Regulator Unity: Urged the African Lotteries Association (ALA), European Lotteries (EL), and World Lotteries Association (WLA) to share intelligence and strategies.
Awuku highlighted Africa’s need to learn from mature markets, fostering a “collaborative spirit” among regulators to ensure equitable growth. Though no longer leading NLA, he remains an advocate for gaming integrity and public-focused lottery policies.
https://www.newsghana.com.gh/global-lottery-co-operation-urged-to-combat-illegal-operators/