The Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Mohammed Abdul-Salam, has called on members of European Lotteries (EL) and the African Lotteries Association (ALA), along with wider stakeholders in the gaming industry, to step up efforts against illegal gambling in order to safeguard national economies and protect citizens from revenue losses and lost development opportunities.
Mr Abdul-Salam made the appeal on June 8 at the 2026 EL Industry Days currently underway in Marrakesh, Morocco, from June 7 to 10. He addressed more than 200 participants drawn from across Europe and Africa.
The event, themed “Lotteries Bridging Continents,” is focused on strengthening collaboration between Europe and Africa through the exchange of best practices on industry challenges and opportunities, the use of digital solutions, strategies to combat illegal gambling, and the promotion of responsible gaming. It also seeks to reinforce the role of national lotteries as drivers of social and economic development.
In her opening remarks, EL President Romana Girandon stressed the importance of responsible gaming, describing it as central to the identity of lottery organisations. She announced that the European Lotteries body is developing a new Responsible Gaming framework to support member institutions across different regions.
She also commended members for contributing more than 29 billion euros to society and urged stronger cooperation in tackling illegal lottery operators to better protect the millions of players who engage with regulated systems daily.
The African Lotteries Association was represented by its Secretary-General, Omar Skalli, who noted that both African and European markets face similar challenges. He said the platform provides a valuable opportunity for dialogue, networking, and the exchange of ideas to strengthen the global lottery ecosystem.
Speaking on the theme “The Fight Against Illegal Gambling as a Significant Growing Issue in Africa,” the Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) Ghana and Vice President of the African Lotteries Association (ALA), Mr Mohammed Abdul-Salam, highlighted the scale of losses African countries are facing due to illegal lottery activities.
He pointed to Ghana, Benin and South Africa as key examples, noting that the continent is losing substantial revenue to illegal gambling networks. According to him, South Africa alone is estimated to lose over $30 billion, while Ghana loses more than GH¢1 billion annually—about $85 million—to illegal operations.
Mr Abdul-Salam stressed that these losses have serious economic consequences, draining funds that could otherwise support national development projects.
Outlining Ghana’s response, he said efforts are underway to deploy technology to track and disrupt illegal operators and lottery syndicates. He also mentioned the introduction of advanced POS systems for licensed retailers, tighter enforcement of responsible gaming regulations, and plans to strengthen the National Lotto Act through legislative reform.
In addition, he noted that the Authority is leveraging corporate social responsibility initiatives and “good causes” programmes as part of broader efforts to sanitise the industry and protect public revenue.
Mr Abdul-Salam ended his address with a strong appeal to stakeholders to intensify the fight against illegal gambling.
He warned that the impact goes far beyond individual losses, stressing that funds spent on illegal lottery operations ultimately deprive communities of essential development.
“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 loses millions that could help improve the lives of citizens,” he said.
Other speakers also shared proposals aimed at tackling illegal gambling, promoting responsible gaming, and using technology and innovation to strengthen lottery operations across different regions.
Member organisations are expected to hold their General Assembly on June 10.
The European Lottery Industry Days 2026 is being hosted by European Lotteries (EL) and Loterie Nationale Morocco, with support from EL Level I partners Brightstar Lottery and Scientific Games, Level II partner Aristocrat Interactive, and the Association of African Lotteries (ALA).
The National Lottery Authority has been an observer member of European Lotteries since June 2024.