The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has extended the deadline for the cessation of manual paper-based lotto operations, giving Private Lotto Operators (PLOs), agents and writers until October 1, 2026, to transition to digital operations.

The extension, announced on August 4, 2026, follows stakeholder consultations and provides affected operators with additional time to comply with the Authority’s digitalization directive.

Under the terms of the PLOs’ licence, manual paper-based lotto operations were originally scheduled to end on August 1, 2026. With the revised timeline, all PLOs, agents and writers are expected to complete their transition to digital operations by October 1, 2026.

The NLA also encouraged businesses interested in registering as Lotto Marketing Companies (LMCs) to contact its regional or district offices nationwide or reach out to the designated contact person for registration assistance.

The regulator said the extension forms part of its efforts to ensure a smooth transition to a fully digital lottery ecosystem while supporting industry stakeholders through the implementation process.

The NLA advised stakeholders requiring additional information to contact its customer service helplines or visit its official website for further guidance on the transition process.