Liberia is facing growing calls to strengthen oversight of its expanding gambling industry, with concerns emerging over regulatory compliance, underage gambling and the potential social and economic impact of betting on vulnerable communities.
The concerns follow a reported dispute involving Seven Blue Ltd. and the National Lottery Authority (NLA), after the regulator reportedly directed the company to stop activities allegedly associated with the issuance of gaming licenses and collection of licensing fees through unauthorized channels.
The reported use of a purported “Liberia Online Gaming and Casino Commission” has also raised questions about the authority responsible for licensing and regulating gambling activities in the country. Beyond the regulatory dispute, the developments have renewed calls for Liberia to take a broader approach to gambling regulation that considers not only government revenue but also the potential social costs associated with gambling.
Earlier this year, the NLA announced a nationwide crackdown on underage gambling, highlighting concerns about young people’s participation in betting and its potential effects on education, health and development.
The issue is particularly significant in a country where many young people face limited employment and economic opportunities. World Bank data indicate that approximately 14 percent of Liberians aged 15 to 24 were neither employed nor in education or training in 2024.
Against this backdrop, stakeholders have raised concerns that betting could increasingly be viewed by economically vulnerable young people as a means of generating income rather than as entertainment. Gambling-related harm can include financial difficulties, debt, strained family relationships and other social consequences. This has prompted calls for stronger responsible-gambling measures alongside existing regulatory and revenue-collection efforts.
Stakeholders are therefore urging the NLA and other relevant government institutions to improve data collection on underage gambling and gambling-related harm, strengthen age-verification measures and increase oversight of betting establishments located near schools and other youth-focused environments.
There are also calls for tighter controls on advertising that may target vulnerable young people and for gambling operators to support public education, prevention and treatment programmes.
The discussion comes as Liberia continues efforts to strengthen its financial system and promote responsible financial behavior. The country recently concluded a three-day national conference on non-performing loans, bringing together government, financial institutions, businesses and development partners to discuss improving credit culture and expanding access to productive financing.
Stakeholders say these broader financial reforms should be accompanied by efforts to ensure that young people have access to productive alternatives, including vocational training, entrepreneurship, apprenticeships, digital skills, sports and other economic opportunities.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Education, NLA, Liberia National Police, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, National Sports Authority and Ministry of Justice could play important roles in developing a coordinated national approach to addressing gambling-related risks.
Rather than focusing solely on gambling revenue, stakeholders are calling for a regulatory framework that balances economic interests with consumer protection and social responsibility. The Seven Blue controversy could therefore provide an opportunity for Liberia to strengthen gambling regulation, clarify licensing responsibilities and develop stronger safeguards for vulnerable groups.
As the industry continues to expand, stakeholders say the country must assess not only the revenue generated by gambling but also its wider impact on households, young people and the economy.
