The Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Mohammed Abdul-Salam, has called on members of the European Lotteries (EL), the African Lotteries Association (ALA), and stakeholders in the gaming and lottery industry to intensify efforts to combat illegal gambling.
According to him, illegal gambling continues to deprive governments of substantial revenue and denies citizens opportunities that could improve their quality of life.
Mr. Abdul-Salam made the call while addressing more than 200 participants from Europe and Africa at the 2026 EL Industry Days held in Marrakesh, Morocco, from June 7 to 10.
The event, themed “Lotteries Bridging Continents,” seeks to strengthen collaboration between Europe and Africa by promoting the exchange of best practices on opportunities and challenges within the gaming industry. Discussions also focused on digital innovation, responsible gaming, strategies to combat illegal activities, and the role of national lotteries in advancing society.
In her opening remarks, EL President Romana Girandon stressed the importance of Responsible Gaming (RG), describing it as central to the operations of lottery organisations. She revealed that EL is developing a new Responsible Gaming Framework to support member organisations across continents.
Ms. Girandon commended members for contributing more than €29 billion to society and urged them to work collectively to curb illegal lottery operations and protect millions of players worldwide.
The African Lotteries Association was represented by its Secretary-General, Omar Skalli, who noted that African and European lottery operators face similar challenges. He said the forum provides an important platform for dialogue, networking, and the exchange of ideas.
Speaking on the topic, “The Fight Against Illegal Gambling as a Significant Growing Issue in Africa,” Mr. Abdul-Salam, who also serves as Vice President of ALA, highlighted the scale of losses suffered by African countries due to illegal lottery activities.
He cited Ghana, Benin, and South Africa as countries significantly affected by illegal gambling, noting that South Africa loses more than $30 billion annually, while Ghana loses over GH¢1 billion, equivalent to about $85 million.
He warned that the financial losses have a serious impact on national development and called for urgent action to stem the revenue leakages.
Mr. Abdul-Salam outlined several measures Ghana is pursuing to tackle illegal gambling, including the deployment of technology to combat lottery fraud and syndicates, the introduction of advanced point-of-sale (POS) machines for retailers, stronger enforcement of Responsible Gaming standards, amendments to strengthen the National Lotto Act, and increased investment in Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
Concluding his address, he urged stakeholders not to relent in the fight against illegal gambling.
“For every amount lost to an illegal lottery operator, a child is denied education, a community is denied a health facility, the youth lose opportunities, and the economy of a nation loses millions that could help improve the lives of its citizens,” he stated.
Other speakers at the conference shared strategies for combating illegal gambling, promoting responsible gaming, and leveraging technology to strengthen lottery operations across continents.
The event will conclude with the General Assembly of member bodies on June 10.
The 2026 EL Industry Days is hosted by the European Lotteries and Loterie Nationale Morocco, with support from EL Level I Partners Brightstar Lottery and Scientific Games, EL Level II Partner Aristocrat Interactive, and the African Lotteries Association.
The National Lottery Authority has been an Observer Member of the European Lotteries since June 2024.
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