StarBet faces licence threat as Liberia’s NLA investigates underage gambling
The summons requires StarBet Liberia’s management to present documentation and explanations addressing the claims.
Liberia.- Liberia’s gaming regulator, the National Lottery Authority (NLA), has begun enforcement proceedings against StarBet Liberia following findings that the operator allegedly allowed minors to gamble across its outlets. Company executives have been summoned by the Authority to justify why the operator’s gaming licence should not be suspended or withdrawn.
The action follows preliminary investigations and reports indicating that minors participated in betting activities at multiple StarBet locations. Such conduct breaches provisions of the National Lottery Authority Act of 2014, which prohibits individuals below the legal gambling age from participating in wagering and mandates that operators enforce strict access controls.
NLA Director General Peter L. Solo said the allegations raise compliance concerns and conflict with licensing conditions. He stated that permitting minors to gamble undermines the regulatory framework and poses social risks, including exposure to addiction and financial harm.
The summons requires StarBet Liberia’s management to present documentation and explanations addressing the claims. The regulator will assess whether the company maintained adequate age-verification systems, staff oversight and compliance procedures. If the response is deemed insufficient, the NLA may impose sanctions ranging from fines to suspension or revocation of the operator’s licence.
Liberia’s betting market has expanded in recent years, driven by mobile access and demand for football wagering, particularly in urban centres such as Monrovia. Industry observers note that growth has in some areas outpaced enforcement capacity, leaving gaps in identity checks and outlet supervision.
The NLA said it is increasing inspections and compliance monitoring nationwide. The regulator also urged all licensed operators to strengthen internal controls, including customer identification protocols, staff training and real-time compliance audits.
