Manual lotto operations end October 1 as NLA warns operators

By: Eugene Dogbatse Atsu
The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has announced that all manual paper-based lotto operations across the country will cease from October 1, 2026.

The directive applies to all Private Lotto Operators (PLOs), agents and writers operating under the Authority and forms part of efforts to end the use of manual paper-based systems in lotto operations nationwide.

In a public announcement issued on September 28, the NLA, through its Director of Special Duties and Operations, Mr. Roland Kofi Mbui, who spoke on behalf of the Authority, warned that any operator who continues to engage in manual paper-based lotto activities after the deadline will be sanctioned.

“All PLOs, Agents, and Writers who fail to comply with this directive will not be permitted to operate and will face the full rigours of the law,” the Authority stated.

The NLA said the move marks the complete cessation of manual paper-based lotto operations and is expected to affect thousands of operators who still rely on the traditional system.

To ensure a smooth transition, the Authority has urged affected operators to register as Lotto Marketing Companies (LMCs) if they wish to continue their activities within the lottery sector.

The NLA explained that registration as an LMC would allow operators to function within the approved regulatory framework established by the Authority.

“Interested operators are encouraged to register as Lotto Marketing Companies and continue their activities through the approved structures of the NLA,” the statement noted.

The Authority advised prospective applicants to contact sales managers at its regional and district offices across the country for assistance with the registration process.

It also designated Aisha Tackie as the contact person for further information and guidance on registration requirements.

The NLA said operators seeking clarification could contact her on 0247 242 942, while additional enquiries could be directed to customer service lines 0266 087 966 and 0266 087 946.