Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia National Lottery Authority (NLA) demolished numerous illicit mini gambling machines at its Monrovia headquarters on Friday, March 6, 2026, in a decisive move to clean up the country’s gambling industry. This action signalled a more severe crackdown on unregulated gaming operations nationwide.
NLA Director Peter L. Solo told reporters during the exercise on Friday, March 6, 2026, that the action was taken in response to multiple complaints from communities and dealers regarding the spread of illicit gambling machines, as well as consent from the Authority’s Board of Directors.
He claimed that the Authority had previously held a discussion with the operators of the small machines, which resulted in the suspension of their operations. Solo said to reporters that the institute’s action was due to numerous operators’ noncompliance with the rules governing the devices.
He underlined that although the regulations expressly forbid minors under the age of eighteen from using the machines, enquiries showed that a number of operators nonetheless let minors to bet. “We have apprehended over one hundred mini machines during the direct stewardship of the Deputy Director for Operations, Mr. Cooper,” Solo disclosed.
The NLA Director further disclosed that the Authority has made the decision to establish a strong precedent by prosecuting Tong Lic, an illicit operator who operated in Lofa County. The operator revealed that investigations revealed that minors were previously permitted to operate the devices, despite the fact that he supposedly stopped operations around a year ago.
He claims that this led to the authorities seizing his equipment, which has since been destroyed. Additionally, Solo cautioned that activities are anticipated to expand throughout Montserrado County and other regions of the nation as the enforcement effort picks up speed. He emphasized that anyone detected operating illicit gambling machines will face the full weight of the law and urged the people to assist the Authority.
“The exercise is part of our commitment to align Liberia’s gambling system with international standards and to protect young people from illegal gambling activities,” he said.
Reported by: Prince Saah
