Liberia National Lottery Authority set to implement betting taxes to boost kickball growth
NLA links regulated gaming to sustainable sports funding, empowering youth and women while forging stronger regional ties.
Liberia.- The Liberia National Lottery Authority (NLA) has announced plans to introduce taxes on betting and gambling companies to fund kickball clubs in the 2025/26 league season. These industry-specific taxes are designed to create a steady funding stream from regulated gambling, supporting kickball clubs, youth engagement and women’s participation in the sport across Liberia.
NLA Deputy Director General Ennish Fahnbulleh unveiled the initiative at NLA headquarters in Monrovia, under the theme “Let the Game Grow”, highlighting its dual purpose of easing financial pressure on club presidents and keeping the sport accessible.
Fahnbulleh said: “This initiative is designed to provide steady financial support for clubs and create a stronger, more competitive league. We are encouraging betting institutions to take ownership in growing this sport, which plays an important role in youth engagement and women’s empowerment.”
If approved, the tax proposal would require betting operators to pay the levy, with funds earmarked to support selected clubs in their annual budgets, creating a potential funding mechanism to strengthen the Liberian kickball landscape.
The initiative follows a previous L$2.7m (€13,500) sponsorship for the 2025 season, specifically supporting women and girls in Liberia’s traditional sports. The plan reflects NLA’s commitment to youth engagement, community development and accessible sports opportunities.
Cross-border kickball boosts regional ties
Liberia’s kickball initiatives are strengthening regional sports ties. Neighbouring country Sierra Leone’s Director of Participation and Sustainable Sports, Steven Korfala, praised Liberia’s efforts to promote kickball during a recent visit to NLA headquarters.
He said that the Government of Sierra Leone and its Sports Authority are ready to work closely with Liberia, and “encouraged federations from both nations to support the sport and explore gaming-sector collaboration”.
Already planned for October 13, a 220-strong Liberian delegation, including six kickball club teams, officials and support staff, will head to Sierra Leone for a week of exhibition matches, training and partnership meetings.
Under the “Let the Game Grow” initiative, the program will boost collaboration between countries, help grow kickball across West Africa and create new opportunities for young people and women.
Liberia Kickball Federation (LKF) President, Emmanuel Whea, hailed the tax plan and upcoming delegation as pivotal for sustainable funding and deeper regional integration. He said the NLA and Liberia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports will jointly cover the trip’s costs for travel, accommodation, meals and media coverage.
