Mohammed Abdul-Salam Calls for Stronger International Collaboration Against Illegal Gambling at EL Industry Days 2026

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Published: 11 June 2026

Published at: 8:10am

Story by Saibu Terry

The Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Mohammed Abdul-Salam, has reiterated the need for stronger international cooperation to combat illegal gambling activities that continue to undermine the growth and sustainability of the lottery industry across the world.

Speaking during the EL Industry Days 2026 held in Marrakesh, Morocco, Mohammed Abdul-Salam joined lottery industry leaders, regulators, policymakers, and stakeholders from Africa and Europe in discussions aimed at addressing the growing threat posed by illegal gambling operations.

According to the NLA Director-General, unregulated gambling activities not only threaten the integrity and credibility of the lottery sector but also deprive governments of significant revenue that could otherwise be invested in national development projects, social intervention programmes, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

He emphasized that illegal gambling networks have become increasingly sophisticated, making it imperative for regulatory bodies, industry operators, and governments to strengthen collaboration, share intelligence, and adopt innovative technologies to effectively monitor and combat unlawful gaming activities.

“Illegal gambling continues to threaten the integrity of our industry and deprive nations of vital revenue. Through stronger partnerships, innovation, and effective enforcement mechanisms, we can protect players, safeguard government revenues, and promote responsible gaming practices,” he stated.

The EL Industry Days 2026 brought together experts from across the lottery and gaming sector to exchange ideas, explore emerging industry trends, and develop strategies for building a more transparent, responsible, and resilient lottery ecosystem.

Mohammed Abdul-Salam further highlighted the National Lottery Authority’s commitment to promoting responsible gaming in Ghana while ensuring that lottery operations remain fair, secure, and beneficial to national development.

He noted that the fight against illegal gambling requires a collective effort involving regulators, licensed operators, law enforcement agencies, technology providers, and international partners.

The conference also provided participants with an opportunity to discuss digital transformation within the lottery industry, regulatory best practices, consumer protection measures, and emerging technologies designed to improve industry compliance and operational efficiency.

The NLA Director-General expressed optimism that the partnerships and insights gained from the event would contribute significantly to strengthening Ghana’s lottery sector and enhancing efforts to tackle illegal gambling across the continent.

The National Lottery Authority continues to play a leading role in promoting responsible gaming and ensuring that lottery activities contribute positively to Ghana’s socio-economic development while protecting the interests of players and stakeholders