The Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Mohammed Abdul-Salam, has urged stakeholders in the global gaming industry to intensify efforts to combat illegal gambling, warning that it is increasingly harming economies and livelihoods. He made the call while addressing more than 200 participants from Europe and Africa at the 2026 European Lotteries (EL) Industry Days in Marrakesh, Morocco, held from June 7 to 10.

The event, themed “Lotteries Bridging Continents,” aims to strengthen collaboration between Europe and Africa through the exchange of best practices, digital innovation, and strategies to tackle illegal activities while promoting responsible gaming.

Abdul-Salam said illegal gambling continues to drain national revenues and deny citizens opportunities for development. He cited Ghana, Benin, and South Africa as some of the most affected countries.

According to him, South Africa loses more than $30 billion annually, while Ghana loses over GH¢1 billion, equivalent to about $85 million. He stressed that these losses undermine development efforts because funds that could support education, healthcare, and youth opportunities are diverted through illegal operations.

On measures being implemented in Ghana, Abdul-Salam said the NLA is using technology to fight fraud and lottery syndicates, introducing advanced point-of-sale systems for retailers, and strengthening enforcement of responsible gaming regulations.

He added that the authority is also reviewing the National Lotto Act to address regulatory gaps, while leveraging corporate social responsibility initiatives to support national development.

“For every amount lost to an illegal lottery operator, a child is denied education, a community is denied a health facility, the youth lose opportunities, and the economy loses vital revenue,” he said.

In her opening remarks, the President of European Lotteries, Romana Girandon, said responsible gaming remains central to lottery operations. She disclosed that EL is developing a new Responsible Gaming framework and noted that members have contributed more than €29 billion to society.

The Secretary-General of the African Lotteries Association, Omar Skalli, said Africa and Europe face similar challenges and that the platform provides an opportunity for dialogue and shared solutions. The programme is expected to conclude with a General Assembly meeting on June 10.