Monrovia/NLA/March 9, 2026 – The National Lottery Authority (NLA) continued its operations against illegal mini slot machines across Montserrado County, as part of an ongoing nationwide enforcement initiative aimed at curbing the alarming proliferation of unregulated gambling machines and preventing under-aged children from participating in gambling activities.
Acting under its statutory mandate to regulate, supervise, and control all games of chance within the Republic of Liberia, the NLA has deployed multiple operational teams comprising officers from the Operations Department, Inspectorate Division, and Monitoring & Evaluation Unit.
These teams, with support from relevant security agencies, are actively conducting inspections, raids, and confiscation exercises at locations suspected of operating illegal or unauthorized mini slot machines. During recent enforcement operations carried out in several communities within Montserrado County, numerous illegal mini slot machines are being confiscated from unlicensed operators who were found to be in violation of the regulations governing gaming activities in Liberia. The confiscated machines are currently in the custody of the Authority pending further administrative actions in line with the NLA’s regulatory framework.
The NLA notes with serious concern the increasing spread of mini slot machines in communities, particularly in areas where children and vulnerable young people have easy access to these gambling devices. The Authority considers this situation unacceptable, as it undermines national efforts to protect minors from gambling and other harmful social influences.
This ongoing crackdown forms part of the NLA’s broader nationwide campaign to restore order and full compliance within the gaming sector.
Operators who continue to defy the Authority’s regulations by running illegal gambling machines risk the confiscation of their equipment, closure of their operations, and possible legal consequences. Speaking during the raiding exercise in Sinkor Monday, March 9, 2026, NLA’s Deputy Director General for Operations, Hon. Christian K. Cooper strongly advised all individuals and business entities involved in the operations of mini slot machines to ensure that they are properly licensed and operating strictly in accordance with the rules and regulations established by the Authority.
“Any operator found engaging in illegal gambling activities or allowing under-aged children to participate will face the full weight of the law.’ Hon. Cooper stated. At the same time, Hon. Cooper called on community leaders, parents, and the general public to support the authority’s efforts by reporting illegal gambling activities within their communities. “Public cooperation remains critical to safeguarding young people and maintaining a well-regulated gaming environment across Liberia.’ The DDGO Continued.
The Deputy Director for Operations of the National Lottery Authority reiterated the authority’s unwavering commitment to enforcing the gaming laws of Liberia and ensuring that gambling activities are conducted responsibly, transparently, and in a manner that protects the public interest.
Hon. Cooper assured the public that these enforcement operations will continue across Montserrado County and other counties nationwide until the proliferation of illegal mini slot machines and under-aged gambling is effectively curtailed.