Mohammed Abdul-Salam
The National Lottery Authority (NLA), is set to roll out a new app on Monday, September 1, as part of efforts to identify all lotto operators and also curb illegal lottery operators across the country.
Speaking at a press conference at the office of NLA yesterday in Accra, the Director General of NLA, Mr. Mohammed Abdul-Salam said legitimate operators who work from physical structures including kiosk are expected to generate a licensed sticker from the app and emboss it in the facility where they operate.
He said the app, designed in collaboration with Concerned Lotto Agents Association (CLAAG) and technical experts, is available on android smart phones, with other features that will enable cellular phone users to register as well.
According to him, apart from individuals who already stake lotto on their digital platform, writers and agents who want to operate lotto in Ghana are required to pay an annual registration fee of GH¢250.
According to Mr. Abdul-Salam, the features of the app will enable agents to register and make payment at their convenience, while lotto stakers will be able to identify operators who are licensed by the NLA to sell lotto legitimately.
He said the platform for the registration would be managed by a technical IT team who would ensure smooth access to the digital platform while ensuring that it is robust to detect any cyber attack on the platform.
He further indicated that the NLA would soon embark on a sensitisation drive across the country to educate all operators on how to use the app, as well as spell out sanctions for agents and writers who are found operating without the stickers.
According to the NLA, Ghana loses significant amount of revenue to illegal lotto operators, hence the need for the NLA app as an important tool to help generate revenue for the state.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah