The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has licensed five private sector lotto operators under Act 844.

They are; Lotto and Lotteries Company Limited, Alpha Lotto Limited, From Home Company Limited, Vision 2000 Company Limited and Rand Lotto.

The licensing of qualified private sector lotto operators was done under the approval of the Board of NLA.

They would operate lottery under Act 844 regulated by the NLA in accordance with Act 722. 

The NLA noted in a statement that all licensed private sector lotto operators, together with their agents, sub-agents and 'writers' (retailers) shall use point-of-sale terminals to sell all lottery products, as part of the terms and conditions of their respective contracts.

Each licensed private sector lotto operator shall obtain a security identification embossment to affix on the respective lotto kiosks of their agents, sub-agents and 'writers'.

The licensed private sector lotto operators would operate strictly in accordance with the terms and conditions stated in their contracts.

The NLA said henceforth, any lotto operator, agent, sub-agent and 'writer' who pays outrageous commission above the approved commission by the authority would be dealt with in accordance with Act 722, L. I. 1948 and Section 22 of Act 844.

The NLA reiterated that it is unlawful under Act 722, L.I. 1948 and Section 22 of Act 844 to manufacture, distribute, sell or retail lottery products and services without authorisation from them.

Accordingly, all those engaged in illegal lottery operations would be arraigned as lotto courts have been opened across the country.