LIBERIA – Liberia’s National Lottery Authority (NLA) has introduced sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening oversight of the gaming industry, increasing licensing fees and capital requirements while imposing stricter compliance, advertising and consumer protection measures.

The changes, contained in Regulation No. 005 of 2026, are designed to improve revenue collection, regulate digital gaming activities and address concerns over fraud, underage gambling and gambling-related harm. The regulation also establishes a Central Lottery Management System (CLMS), which will enable the NLA to monitor and audit gaming transactions in real time.

NLA Director General Peter L. Solo said the reforms were necessary due to the rapid growth of online gaming, digital lottery services and mobile-money transactions.

Under the new fee structure, online sports betting operators will pay US$90,000 for licenses, while online casinos, digital scratch-and-win businesses and prediction-market operators will pay US$80,000. The regulation also raises minimum paid-up capital requirements, including US$1 million for casinos in Montserrado County and US$500,000 for online casinos and sports-betting operators.

Gaming operators will be required to maintain stronger cybersecurity measures, report significant system failures and data breaches within 24 hours, and retain critical records for at least five years. They will also have up to 180 days to integrate their systems with the NLA’s monitoring platform.

The reforms also introduced a Good-Cause Levy of up to 1 percent of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), with proceeds earmarked for community development, support for vulnerable groups, responsible gambling programs and addiction treatment initiatives.

The NLA has also strengthened restrictions on gambling advertising, prohibiting promotions that target minors, promise guaranteed winnings or portray gambling as a solution to financial hardship. Operators must provide responsible gambling messages and ensure digital advertisements include age-verification controls.

Penalties for regulatory violations have been increased, with minimum fines rising from US$3,000 to at least US$5,000. The regulation additionally requires fit-and-proper assessments for key shareholders, directors and partners in gaming businesses and imposes restrictions on certain prediction-market activities.

The reforms come amid ongoing efforts by the NLA to address unauthorized gaming operations and underage gambling. Officials say the success of the new framework will depend on effective enforcement, transparent management of gaming revenues and the ability of the Authority to ensure compliance across the industry.