Liberia’s Lottery Authority launches compliance unit to protect gambling sector from financial crime
Gambling industry gains a much stronger shield against illicit activity in the country.
Liberia.- To protect Liberia’s gambling and lottery sector from financial crimes, the National Lottery Authority (NLA) has launched a new Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Compliance Unit.
The new unit was announced by NLA Director General Hon. Peter Solo, emphasising the authority’s commitment to keeping the sector free from criminal exploitation.
Solo said: “Our duty is to ensure that the NLA is not only compliant with the AML/CFT Act of 2021 but is also leading the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing in the gaming sector.”
Solo emphasised that the launch of the unit is about initiating action. “Our mandate is clear: we will not allow the NLA to be a conduit for illicit funds. This unit has the authority, resources and expertise to ensure full compliance,” he said.
Fighting money laundering in gambling
The AML/CFT Compliance Unit will serve as the NLA’s internal enforcement body, ensuring gaming operators follow the law. It will strengthen oversight of licensed operators and collaborate with the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) and other institutions to prevent misuse of the sector.
The FIA, Liberia’s central authority for financial intelligence, enforces AML/CFT laws, monitors compliance and works with institutions like the NLA to prevent the gambling sector from being exploited for money laundering or terrorist financing.
Hon. Richlue Burphy, Deputy Director General for Lotto Games and the NLA’s FIA focal person, will chair the unit, which also includes several other appointed members.
Burphy said: “This unit is more than just a regulatory formality; it is a frontline defence for the integrity of Liberia’s gaming industry. We will work tirelessly to identify, monitor and prevent any attempts to use our sector for money laundering or terror financing. Compliance will not be optional; it will be the standard.”
The need for the unit is underscored by recent enforcement actions. On August 8, 2025, the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) imposed a L$6m (€25,000) fine on 50/50 Casino for major lapses in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism controls. The casino is required to submit a plan to fix all issues by November 1, 2025, or risk further enforcement measures.
