NLA conducts inspection of Blue Star facilities ahead of 5/90 ball lotto launch
The delegation evaluated key operational components, including the physical integrity of draw equipment, the randomness and fairness of draw procedures and ticket security from issuance to validation.
Liberia.- The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has conducted a thorough inspection of Blue Star High Tech Liberia Limited’s facilities on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, as part of its preparations toward the launch of the nation’s 5/90 Ball Lotto Games in early September.
Led by NLA Director General Hon. Peter L. Solo, the inspection team included Hon. Richlue O. Burphy, Deputy Director General for Lotto Games, and Ennish L. Fahnbulleh, Deputy Director General for Administration. They visited Blue Star’s headquarters on 18th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia and the draw room at the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) compound.
The delegation evaluated key operational components, including the physical integrity of draw equipment, the randomness and fairness of draw procedures and ticket security from issuance to validation. They also reviewed the recruitment and training of over 500 point-of-sale (POS) agents and mobilisers across Montserrado, Margibi, Bong, Grand Bassa and Nimba counties, as well as Blue Star’s compliance with international lottery standards.
Speaking to reporters during the tour, Solo emphasised the NLA’s dedication to accountability. He said: “The NLA remains dedicated to creating a fair and trustworthy lottery environment for all Liberians. Integrity is non-negotiable in building public trust.”
He further noted that the authority’s oversight extends beyond technical compliance to cultivating a culture of responsible gaming, with plans to monitor player behaviour and prevent addiction through public education.
Blue Star High Tech Liberia Limited was awarded the contract to operate the 5/90 Ball Lotto Games in February 2025 following a competitive international bidding process overseen by the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC). The company is tasked with managing the daily fixed-odds draw where players select five numbers from 1 to 90.
Blue Star has invested approximately $2.5m in infrastructure, including state-of-the-art draw machines and a secure ticketing system, to ensure operational reliability. The operator’s draw room at the LBS compound features advanced surveillance and automated ball-drawing technology, designed to guarantee randomness and transparency.
Clement Adu Sarpong, Blue Star’s Chief Executive Officer, said that the initiative has already created 150 direct jobs and aims to employ over 1,000 indirect workers, including POS agents and field mobilisers, by the end of 2025.
Ahead of the September 6 draw, the NLA plans to launch a nationwide outreach initiative to educate Liberians on game rules and responsible gambling. The campaign will include town hall meetings, radio programs and digital advertisements, with a focus on ensuring players understand the odds – about 1 in 43.9 million for the jackpot – and the value of playing responsibly.
The inspection aligns with Liberia’s wider push to enhance revenue generation and attract private sector investment, as evidenced by recent initiatives like the Liberia Revenue Authority’s digital tax payment system and discussions with the World Bank on boosting private sector growth.
Experts estimate that a well-regulated lottery could contribute 2-3 per cent to Liberia’s GDP within three years, drawing parallels with Kenya’s national lottery, which generated $15m for public projects in 2024.
