Ghana Game Nigeria: Lottery and Betting Firms Withhold Over ₦100 Billion

Over ₦100 Billion in Unremitted Lottery Funds

The Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), Bello Maigari, informed the House Committee on Governmental Affairs that over ₦100 billion is being illegally withheld by lottery and betting operators in Ghana Game Nigeria operations and general sector activity.

“Our in-house assessment revealed that over ₦100 billion is being held illegally by lottery operators and betting companies as outstanding liabilities,” Maigari said.

Despite the ₦2 trillion estimated market size of Nigeria’s lottery industry, the Trust Fund has only received ₦11.2 billion in remittances since its establishment in 2005.

Collaboration with EFCC and Regulatory Bodies
 

1. The NLTF is working closely with the EFCC and NLRC to recover the funds.
2. So far, ₦833 million has been recovered.
3. Contributions breakdown:

- Premier Lotto: ₦6.5 billion
- R & S Lotto: ₦700 million
- Winners Golden Chance: ₦409 million
- Gab Lotto: ₦32 million
- Western Lotto: ₦67 million

Ghana Game Franchise Dispute: Premier Lotto vs. Western Lotto

The session addressed an ongoing legal dispute between Premier Lotto and Western Lotto over control of the Ghana Game Nigeria franchise.

Maigari acknowledged the potential of the franchise model, likening it to Europe’s EuroMillions, but emphasized the need for legal compliance and transparency.

Operators Condemn Western Lotto’s Monopoly Attempt

The Nigerian Licensed Lottery Operators Forum rejected Western Lotto’s attempt to:

1. Demand registration from other operators to use Ghana Game Nigeria numbers.
2. Force a server connection to a Western Lotto system.
3. Require royalty payments to a third-party consultant.
4. Grant unauthorized access to other operators’ servers.

“These actions violate business ethics and attempt to usurp regulatory authority.”

Rejected Terms of Settlement Violate Lottery Laws

Western Lotto’s proposed agreement with the Ministry of Special Duties sought to:

i. Enforce a revenue-sharing plan violating Section 23 of the National Lottery Act.
ii. Bind 24 other operators to a settlement they were not part of negotiating.
iii. Direct 11% of lottery proceeds to a third-party consultant—allegedly Western Lotto’s nominee.

Ghana Game Numbers Are Public and Free-to-Air

Operators argue that Ghana Game Nigeria numbers are publicly available and legally used by countries along the West African coast.

No exclusive rights were added by Western Lotto that justify control or royalties.

Call for Regulatory Integrity and Transparency

Operators also raised issues with

1. Western Lotto’s alleged failure to pay winnings,

2. Loss of credibility in Ghana Game draws due to

i. Early game closures,
ii. Pre-scheduled result releases,
iii. Lack of public oversight.

They emphasized that the NLRC should remain the neutral and sole regulator.

Final Call to Action

Operators appealed to the House of Representatives to:

a. Reject Western Lotto’s terms of settlement.
b. Prevent industry monopoly and regulatory overreach.
c. Involve all stakeholders before any agreement is approved.
d. Protect the integrity of Ghana Game Nigeria and ensure it benefits the nation.

“Only a transparent, well-regulated system can restore public confidence and ensure fair returns to the Nigerian government.”