The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has launched a crackdown on child gambling. Deputy Director for Administration, Ennish Lamie Fahnbulleh, said the entity has established an inter-governmental task force to curb underage ambling. Speaking during a media roundtable in Monrovia during the weekend, Fahnbulleh said the National Lottery Authority believes these young people are vulnerable and susceptible to the negative impacts of gambling addiction. “We are deeply concerned about the increasing number of children involved in gambling activities,” he stated. “It is our responsibility to protect them from the potential harm this poses to their education, well-being, and prospects.”
According to him, the inter-governmental task force will comprise representatives from various government ministries, including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and the Ministry of Justice. The task force will work to enforce existing laws prohibiting underage gambling, raise awareness about the risks of gambling addiction among children and their families, and provide support and rehabilitation services for those affected.
The NLA also announced plans to strengthen its regulatory oversight of lottery operators and retailers to ensure compliance with age verification procedures. This includes increased monitoring of lottery outlets and the implementation of stricter penalties for those found to be selling lottery tickets to minors.
“We are committed to creating a safe and responsible gambling environment for all Liberians,” the Deputy Director emphasized. “This crackdown on child gambling is a critical step in protecting our children and ensuring a brighter future for them.” The NLA is urging parents, educators, and community leaders to join their efforts in combating child gambling and promoting responsible gaming practices.” The NLA also indicated that announcements will be disseminated through various media outlets to educate the public about the dangers of underage gambling.
By Joseph Sirleaf/Contributing Writer
