Liberia’s National Lottery Authority is preparing to ban gambling‑related radio programmes nationwide after the Senate demanded answers about a surge in unregulated betting and reports that minors, some as young as 13 are taking part.
Sources in government who spoke anonymously said the planned restriction will target stations that broadcast betting promotions and interactive gambling shows, many of which have multiplied in recent months. Officials also plan to crack down on platforms that permit underage participation, in clear violation of existing law.
The move follows a Senate debate initiated by Sen. Amara M. Konneh of Gbarpolu County, who warned lawmakers about the rapid spread of gambling centres across Montserrado, Bong, Grand Bassa and Margibi counties. Konneh said many of these venues appear to be operating outside legal and regulatory oversight.
During plenary, Senate Secretary Nanborlor Singbeh read a communication from Konneh highlighting the scale of the problem and the urgency of a response. “Of particular concern are multiple accounts of underage gambling, including a recent case involving a 13‑year‑old child,” Konneh said. “Liberia’s gambling laws clearly prohibit minors from participating in any form of betting or gaming.”
Konneh warned that allowing minors access to gambling facilities increases the risk of addiction, exploitation and long‑term social harm, undermining what he called Liberia’s “precious human capital.” He also said members of affected communities have complained that gambling outlets are being located close to schools, markets and residential areas, which raises the likelihood that children and other vulnerable people will be drawn in.
The Senate voted to refer the matter to the Committees on Judiciary, Autonomous Commissions and Gender, designating the Gender Committee as lead. Those committees must review the allegations, summon the National Lottery Authority (NLA) for questioning and then report findings and recommendations back to the plenary.
Konneh specifically called on the NLA managing director to appear before the Senate’s Committee of the Whole and provide a full account of the agency’s regulatory oversight, enforcement activity and the concrete steps taken to prevent underage gambling. “The Senate must receive a clear and comprehensive account of how the authority is responding to these violations and what additional measures are required to protect the public,” he said.
Civil society organisations and community leaders have also expressed alarm at the growing accessibility of gambling via radio and mobile platforms. They argue that constant exposure, promotions, interactive shows and mobile wagering are normalizing betting among young people and fueling addictive behavior.
If the proposed radio ban is implemented, it could hit both operators and media outlets that have come to rely on gambling content as a source of revenue. Regulators will need to balance child protection and public health concerns with potential economic effects on broadcasters and betting businesses.
Officials are expected to publish formal guidelines and an enforcement timeline in the coming weeks. The Senate committees will hold hearings with the NLA and other stakeholders, and their findings could lead to stricter enforcement measures, new regulations or legislative proposals aimed at closing loopholes and protecting minors.
The debate highlights a growing national concern about the pace of gambling expansion and its social consequences. With reports of underage involvement and widespread unregulated activity, Liberia’s lawmakers appear determined to press the National Lottery Authority for accountability and to consider stronger steps including a radio broadcast ban to safeguard young people and communities.
