NLA launches nationwide crackdown on underage gambling in Liberia
Officials said the operation is designed to curb the growing visibility of gambling involvement among minors, particularly in urban hubs and along key commercial corridors.
Liberia.- The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has launched a nationwide campaign to crack down on underage gambling. In a statement issued on February 17, the regulator said enforcement teams and inspectors have been deployed to gaming centres, mini-slot establishments, betting booths and lottery kiosks across Liberia to verify age restrictions and ensure compliance with licensing conditions.
Officials said the operation is designed to curb the growing visibility of gambling involvement among minors, particularly in urban hubs and along key commercial corridors.
The NLA’s Deputy Director-General for Operations, Hon. Christian K. Cooper, reiterated that Liberia’s gaming regulations strictly prohibit persons under the legal age of 18 from participating in any licensed games of chance. He warned that operators who allow minors to gamble face significant sanctions, including fines, suspension or closure of their businesses.
The enforcement drive also targets unlicensed operators and illegal gaming machines, which authorities say have proliferated in recent years and contributed to regulatory challenges in the sector. Previous operations under this campaign have led to raids, shutdowns and the confiscation of unauthorised equipment in several counties.
The NLA stated that it is working closely with the Ministries of Education and Gender, Children and Social Protection to strengthen enforcement through awareness campaigns and community reporting channels. Regulators say sustained monitoring and preventive education are essential for balancing the industry’s economic benefits with responsible gaming.
