Ghana’s National Lottery Authority (NLA) has announced that paper-based lottery staking will be phased out by the end of July, as the country accelerates efforts to fully digitise its lottery operations.
The move follows a strategic agreement between the NLA and Fidelity Bank Ghana to deploy electronic Point of Sale (POS) terminals nationwide, replacing manual ticketing systems and modernising lottery operations.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, NLA director-general Mohammed Abdul-Salam emphasised the urgency of the transition, stating that all lottery staking must move to electronic platforms to improve efficiency, revenue tracking and regulatory oversight.
The digitalisation initiative is designed to enhance transparency within Ghana’s lottery sector, strengthen compliance, and increase government revenue. By shifting to POS-based staking, the Authority aims to reduce leakages, improve operational control, and create a more structured and accountable gaming ecosystem.
As part of the rollout, the instant win payout limit at POS terminals will rise significantly, enabling faster and more convenient payments for players. Winners of larger prizes will also benefit from immediate settlements facilitated through Fidelity Bank, improving the overall customer experience.
The NLA noted that previous attempts to modernise the system had faced challenges, leading to the adoption of a private-sector partnership model. Under this approach, investment in modern POS infrastructure will be driven by private partners, allowing Lotto Marketing Companies to operate more competitively across the market.
The agreement follows nearly a year of technical planning, infrastructure upgrades and commercial negotiations aimed at replacing outdated lottery terminals and improving network connectivity nationwide.
The transition forms part of Ghana’s broader digital transformation strategy in the gaming sector, with the NLA targeting full digitalisation of lottery sales by the third quarter of 2026. The elimination of paper-based staking represents a major milestone in building a more efficient, transparent and technology-driven lottery system in Ghana.
