Lottery regulator calls for coordinated international response as unlicensed operators expand across borders
EL Industry Days 2026 highlights rising pressure on regulators to strengthen cross-border enforcement
Ghana’s National Lottery Authority (NLA) has renewed calls for stronger collaboration between African and European gambling regulators to combat the growing threat of illegal betting operations, warning that fragmented enforcement efforts are no longer sufficient in an increasingly digital and borderless market.
The appeal was made by NLA Director-General Mohammed Abdul-Salam during the European Lotteries (EL) Industry Days 2026 held in Marrakesh, where regulators, lottery operators, and industry stakeholders gathered to discuss shared challenges facing the regulated gaming sector.
Illegal gambling identified as growing threat to regulated markets
Speaking at the high-level forum, Abdul-Salam emphasized that illegal gambling continues to undermine government revenue systems across multiple jurisdictions while weakening the integrity of regulated lottery and gaming ecosystems.
He noted that unlicensed operators often avoid taxation, licensing obligations, and responsible gaming requirements, creating unfair competition for compliant operators while exposing consumers to heightened financial and social risks.
According to the NLA, the expansion of digital gambling platforms has significantly increased the scale and sophistication of illegal operations, making enforcement more complex and resource-intensive for regulators.
Call for stronger Africa–Europe regulatory cooperation
A central theme of the NLA’s position was the need for deeper institutional collaboration between African and European regulators to address shared enforcement challenges.
Abdul-Salam urged stakeholders to move beyond isolated national responses and instead adopt coordinated cross-border strategies that reflect the global nature of modern gambling networks.
He stressed that illegal operators increasingly exploit jurisdictional gaps, operating across multiple countries while targeting users in regulated markets without proper authorization.
The NLA argued that stronger partnerships between continents would improve intelligence sharing, enhance enforcement capacity, and enable faster responses to emerging threats.
EL Industry Days promote shared regulatory solutions
The European Lotteries Industry Days 2026 served as a platform for dialogue on regulatory innovation, responsible gaming, and enforcement strategies across both regions.
Discussions focused on how regulators can better adapt to the rapid evolution of digital gambling, including the rise of mobile betting, online lottery products, and cross-border payment systems that complicate traditional oversight models.
Participants highlighted the importance of harmonized standards and cooperative frameworks that allow regulators to work together more effectively against illegal operators.
Technology and intelligence sharing at the core of enforcement strategy
Delegates at the forum acknowledged that technology is now central to both the growth of legal gambling markets and the expansion of illegal platforms.
As a result, regulators are increasingly investing in digital monitoring systems, data analytics, and cross-border intelligence networks to detect unauthorized activity more efficiently.
The NLA emphasized that information sharing between African and European authorities could significantly strengthen enforcement outcomes, particularly in identifying patterns of illegal operations and tracking financial flows linked to unlicensed gambling networks.
Responsible gaming remains a shared priority
Beyond enforcement, stakeholders also reaffirmed the importance of responsible gaming as a cornerstone of sustainable industry development.
European and African regulators alike stressed that protecting consumers must remain a central objective, particularly as gambling becomes more accessible through digital platforms.
Abdul-Salam reiterated that illegal gambling not only threatens public revenues but also undermines responsible gaming frameworks by operating outside regulatory oversight.
Ghana strengthens global regulatory engagement
The NLA’s participation at EL Industry Days reflects Ghana’s broader strategy to deepen engagement with international regulatory bodies and strengthen its position within global lottery governance structures.
In recent years, the authority has increased its involvement in cross-border initiatives aimed at improving regulatory standards and enhancing enforcement capabilities.
Abdul-Salam noted that such partnerships are essential for building resilient regulatory systems capable of responding to rapidly evolving gambling markets.
push for unified global enforcement intensifies
The Marrakesh discussions underscored a growing consensus among regulators that illegal gambling has become a transnational issue requiring coordinated global action.
Stakeholders concluded that stronger Africa–Europe collaboration, supported by improved intelligence sharing and technological integration, will be critical in safeguarding regulated markets and protecting consumers in the years ahead.
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