NLA staff petition govt over alleged ‘private capture’ of national lottery

Staff of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) are raising concerns. They are represented by the Financial and Business Services Employees Union (FBSEU). The union is asking the government for urgent help. They claim there is a “deliberate private capture” of the state-owned lottery.

In a petition, they addressed the Attorney General and the new NLA Director General. The union wants an immediate suspension of all third-party contracts. They also seek a review of licenses granted to Private Lotto Operators (PLOs) in the last six years.

The union argues these agreements violate the National Lotto Act, 2006 (Act 722). They say this has caused financial distress and operational inefficiency for NLA. There has been a significant decline in revenue from Point of Sale Terminals (POSTs) since PLOs entered the market.

The union estimates nearly 50% market share loss to online platforms and PLOs. This amounts to over GH₵250 million in revenue shortfalls from 2017 to 2024. They argue this decline has led to job losses among Lotto Marketing Companies (LMCs).

KEED Ghana Limited (KGL) is at the center of this controversy. KGL operates NLA’s 5/90 games online. The union accuses KGL of violating its role as a Lotto Marketing Company under Act 722. They claim KGL keeps lottery proceeds in private accounts and pays winnings independently.

The previous NLA Board granted KGL an exclusive 25-year license for online lotto. The union finds this decision shocking and damaging to NLA's independence. Other companies mentioned include Bluestar Lotto, Alpha Lotto, and Luma Technologies.

The union claims these companies were misrepresented as technical service providers but operate as PLOs instead. This situation has left NLA with outdated infrastructure and driven away long-serving LMCs.

The union warns that without swift government action, including a new Governing Board, NLA may collapse completely. They insist they will do everything possible to ensure NLA's sustainability for national development and staff welfare. This could include protests or halting lotto draws if necessary.