The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has suspended the operating license of LIPAY Inc., a sports gaming company in Liberia, due to allegations that it facilitated the illegal operation of the unlicensed betting platform 1XBet in the country. The suspension, which takes effect immediately, was announced on December 16, 2025, during a press briefing at the NLA headquarters in Monrovia.
NLA Director General Hon. Peter L. Solo stated that the decision followed a comprehensive investigation, which found that LIPAY Inc. acted as a conduit for 1XBet an online betting platform not licensed under Liberia’s gaming laws. “These actions constitute a flagrant breach of the NLA Gaming Regulations, and the specific terms of the license granted to LIPAY Inc.,” he said. “The conduct of LIPAY Inc. effectively facilitated the prolonged illegal presence and operation of 1XBet in Liberia.”
The investigation revealed that all of LIPAY Inc.’s betting operations were conducted through the 1XBet digital platform. Allegedly, customer payments and other financial transactions were passed through mobile money accounts connected to 1XBet, further confirming the unlicensed operation. The NLA cited violations of Gaming Regulation 001, Section 6.9, which prohibits the transfer of gaming licenses, and Section 28.2 of the NLA Act.
These provisions state that gaming licenses are non-transferable and that only the entity named on the license is legally allowed to operate. Additionally, the NLA accused LIPAY Inc. of misleading advertising across Liberia, which included billboards, radio jingles, and social media campaigns prominently displaying the 1XBet brand. This gave the public a false impression that 1XBet was legally licensed to operate in the country. “Gaming licenses issued by the NLA are specific and non-transferable,” the Authority emphasized. “Only the licensed entity is legally permitted to operate.”
The NLA has ordered LIPAY Inc. to immediately remove, disable, and cease all advertisements and promotional materials featuring the name, logo, or representation of 1XBet within Liberia. Full compliance with this directive is required without delay. Moreover, major telecommunications and mobile money providers, including Lonestar Cell MTN and Orange Liberia, have been instructed to deplatform and disable any services that support or facilitate 1XBet’s operations in Liberia. This suspension may not be the final action against LIPAY Inc.
A Show Cause Hearing is scheduled for January 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the NLA Headquarters in Monrovia. The hearing will determine whether LIPAY Inc.’s license should be permanently revoked. The Authority has warned that any further violations of its directives or continued association with 1XBet will result in immediate termination of LIPAY Inc.’s license without further recourse. This is not the first time LIPAY Inc. has faced regulatory scrutiny. Reports indicate that in December 2024, the NLA ordered 1XBet to cease operations immediately due to severe breaches of Gaming Regulation 001.
At that time, the platform was instructed to shut down its online operations and remove all advertisements, but it reportedly ignored the directive. Further investigations also revealed that the platform promoted slot gaming services without the required license, violating Liberia’s gaming laws. Reaffirming its commitment, the NLA stated it will continue to enforce gaming regulations, ensure compliance by licensed operators, and protect the integrity of Liberia’s gaming sector. “The Authority is determined to halt all illegal gaming operations and safeguard the integrity of the sector,” Hon. Solo concluded.
