NLA Granted Observer Member Status by European Lotteries

The National Lottery Authority (NLA) of Ghana has been officially recognized as an observer member of the European Lotteries (EL) as of June 17, 2024. This decision was reached unanimously by the 45 member countries during the General Assembly of the EL Industry Days Seminar in Salzburg, Austria, held from June 16-19, 2024.

This significant milestone for the NLA follows a compelling presentation by its Director-General, Sammi Awuku, at the EL Public Seminar Order in Brussels in February 2024. Awuku’s address on illegal gambling in Ghana earned the attention of EL officials, leading to an invitation from EL Secretary-General Arjan Van T’ Veer for the NLA to submit an official application.

The application process required the NLA to provide detailed financial statements, expenditure on good causes, and certification of responsible gaming practices. Upon meeting these criteria, the NLA was granted observer membership, making Ghana the second African country to achieve this status after Morocco.

The current observer members of EL now include Satty Zhuldyz JSC of Kazakhstan, Loterie Nationale Morocco, La Marocaine des Jeux et des Sports of Morocco, and the National Lottery Authority of Ghana.

This observer status enables the NLA to participate in EL’s training sessions, capacity-building initiatives, and exchange programs, fostering best practices within the lottery industry. The EL comprises 70 members across 39 European countries, including 50 in EU member states and 20 in non-EU countries.

Director-General Awuku expressed gratitude to the EL for this opportunity, highlighting its potential to enhance the NLA’s operations and international standing. He also commended the dedicated efforts of the NLA’s governing board, management, and staff in achieving this notable advancement for the organization.

The meeting also saw the presence of World Lottery Association (WLA) officials, including President Rebecca Paul and General Secretary Lynne Roiter, underscoring the global significance of the NLA’s new observer status.