MONROVIA – Growing reports of illegal gambling activities across several Liberian counties have triggered renewed concerns within the Legislature about regulatory oversight and the safety of minors. Senator Amara M. Konneh of Gbarpolu County has formally written the President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate requesting that the Managing Director of the Liberia National Lottery Authority be invited to appear before the Committee of the Whole. The senator’s communication highlights troubling allegations that gambling centers are operating outside legal regulations and that minors are increasingly gaining access to betting facilities. The development raises broader questions about enforcement capacity and regulatory accountability in Liberia’s gambling sector. THE ANALYST reports.
Senator Amara M. Konneh of Gbarpolu County has formally requested that the Managing Director of the Liberia National Lottery Authority be invited before the Liberian Senate to provide a comprehensive briefing on the growing reports of unregulated gambling activities across the country.
In a communication dated March 5, 2026, and addressed to Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Senator Konneh expressed serious concern over increasing reports that several gambling centers in various counties are operating outside the scope of the law with little or no regulatory oversight.
The letter, which was submitted for consideration by Plenary, specifically cited reports of illegal gambling activities occurring in counties including Montserrado, Bong, Grand Bassa, and Margibi.
According to Senator Konneh, these reports indicate that many gambling centers may be functioning without proper supervision from the Liberia National Lottery Authority, the institution responsible for regulating betting and gaming activities in the country.
“Dear Madam President Pro Tempore,” the letter begins, “I extend my compliments and respectfully draw your attention, and that of Plenary, to growing reports of unregulated gambling activities across several counties, including Montserrado, Bong, Grand Bassa, and Margibi.”
“These reports indicate that many gambling centers are operating outside the scope of the law, with little to no oversight from the Liberia National Lottery Authority.”
Underage Gambling Concerns
Senator Konneh also raised alarm over reports that minors are gaining access to gambling establishments, which constitutes a direct violation of Liberia’s gambling laws.
“Of particular concern are multiple accounts of underage gambling, including a recent case involving a 13-year-old child,” he wrote.
The senator emphasized that Liberia’s laws clearly prohibit minors from participating in any form of betting or gaming activity.
“Liberia’s gambling laws clearly prohibit minors from participating in any form of betting or gaming,” he stated.
According to the Gbarpolu County lawmaker, the growing presence of children in gambling facilities poses serious social and legal risks.
“The increasing presence of children in these facilities represents a serious breach of the law,” Senator Konneh warned.
“It exposes our young people—Liberia’s precious human capital—to addiction, exploitation, and long-term social harm.”
Community Concerns
Beyond the issue of minors participating in gambling, communities across the affected counties have reportedly raised additional concerns about the locations of gambling centers.
According to Senator Konneh, several facilities are reportedly operating close to schools, markets, and residential communities.
“Communities have also raised concerns about the proximity of gambling centers to schools, markets, and residential areas, further heightening the risks to vulnerable populations,” he noted.
The senator stressed that the matter represents not only a regulatory concern but also a broader issue affecting the well-being of young people and community stability.
Request for Senate Inquiry
In response to the growing concerns, Senator Konneh has requested that the Managing Director of the Liberia National Lottery Authority appear before the Senate’s Committee of the Whole to provide detailed explanations regarding the situation.
“Given the seriousness of these developments, I respectfully request Plenary’s indulgence to invite the Managing Director of the Liberia National Lottery Authority to appear before the Committee of the Whole,” the letter states.
The senator indicated that the proposed briefing should cover several key issues related to the regulation of gambling activities across the country.
“His briefing should address the regulatory status of gambling operators, enforcement mechanisms currently in place, actions taken to prevent underage gambling, and the Authority’s broader strategy to ensure compliance with national laws,” Senator Konneh wrote.
Protecting Children and Public Institutions
According to the senator, the issue goes beyond simple regulatory oversight and touches on the broader responsibility of the government to protect the country’s youth and ensure the integrity of national institutions.
“This matter touches directly on the safety and well-being of our children and the integrity of our regulatory institutions,” he emphasized.
“The Senate must receive a clear and comprehensive account of how the Authority is responding to these violations and of the additional measures required to protect the public.”
Appeal to Senate Leadership
Concluding his communication, Senator Konneh urged the leadership of the Senate and the entire Plenary to give the matter urgent consideration.
“Thank you for your attention to this urgent issue,” he wrote.
“Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration. I look forward to Plenary’s favorable response.”
The letter was signed by Senator Amara M. Konneh in his capacity as Senator of Gbarpolu County and Chairman of the Senate’s Public Accounts Committee.