The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has revealed that it loses approximately GH¢1 billion annually to illegal lotto operators, despite the industry’s estimated value of GH¢1.8 billion. Director-General Sammi Awuku disclosed this at a recent Editors Forum in Accra, where he outlined strategies to combat illegal operations and increase revenue.

Key measures include:

– Collaborative efforts with state agencies like the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)
– Formation of a special task force with national security apparatus
– Increased commission for legal lottery operators from 20% to 25%
– Unannounced draw times to outwit illegal operators
– Closer collaboration with staff and the public to intensify support

Awuku expressed optimism about the success of these strategies, citing a comprehensive study of illegal operators and collaborative efforts. He also highlighted the significant role of illegal lotto operators in financing political parties and emphasized the need to keep politics separate from revenue generation efforts.

The NLA has faced financial challenges in recent years but has made a turnaround, posting profits in 2022 and 2023. The authority aims to intensify its crackdown on illegal operators, particularly with the approaching general election.