MONROVIA – The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts and Audit, Senator Amara Konneh, has raised alarm over the growing involvement of underage children in gambling activities across Liberia, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the country’s future.
By Obediah Johnson, [email protected]
Senator Konneh’s concerns were contained in a communication addressed to the Plenary of the Liberian Senate on Thursday, March 5.
According to him, while Liberia is intensifying efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking to safeguard the future of the younger generation, the rising participation of minors in gambling activities remains a troubling development.
He noted that there are increasing reports of unregulated gambling operations across several counties, including Montserrado, Bong, Grand Bassa, and Margibi.
Senator Konneh said the reports suggest that many gambling centers are operating outside the scope of the law, with little or no oversight from the Liberia National Lottery Authority (LNLA).
Of particular concern, he added, are multiple reports of underage gambling, including a recent case involving a 13-year-old child.
He emphasized that Liberia’s gambling laws clearly prohibit minors from participating in any form of betting or gaming.
“The increasing presence of children in these facilities represents a serious breach of the law. It exposes our young people — Liberia’s precious human capital — to addiction, exploitation, and long-term social harm,” Senator Konneh said.
Konneh’s communication followed a FrontPage Africa report uncovering unregulated betting activities across the country. The report highlighted how children as young as ten years old are seen at betting centers nationwide, engaging in sports betting and other forms of gambling for money.
He further noted that communities have expressed concerns over the proximity of gambling centers to schools, markets, and residential areas, which further heightens the risks to vulnerable populations.
Senator Konneh, therefore, called on the Managing Director of the Liberia National Lottery Authority to appear before the Plenary of the Senate to address the regulatory status of gambling operators, enforcement mechanisms currently in place, and actions being taken to prevent underage gambling.
He said the Authority must also outline its broader strategy to ensure compliance with national gambling laws.
“This matter directly affects the safety and well-being of Liberian children and the integrity of our regulatory institutions. The Senate must receive a clear and comprehensive account of how the Authority is responding to these violations and what additional measures are required to protect the public,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Plenary of the Senate has mandated its Joint Committee on Gender, Children, and Social Protection and the Judiciary to investigate the matter and report back with findings and recommendations.
Meanwhile, the Liberia National Lottery Authority has also taken enforcement action by destroying dozens of slot machines seized for operating outside approved regulations.
According to the Authority, the slot machines were confiscated during an enforcement operation targeting businesses engaged in irregular and unauthorized gambling activities.
Officials said the destruction of the machines forms part of broader measures aimed at ensuring compliance with regulations governing Liberia’s gaming industry.
The Authority also warned gambling operators to comply with established guidelines or risk facing similar sanctions.
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