KAKATA, Margibi County – Children as young as 10 are actively gambling on portable betting terminals and slot machines, rapidly spreading across Liberia, raising alarm among parents, education advocates, and public health experts.
By Yawah Y. Jaivey, [email protected]
An investigation by FrontPage Africa has found that unregulated portable point-of-sale (POS) sports betting terminals operated by Winners Incorporated, along with slot gambling machines reportedly brought into the country by unidentified Chinese nationals, are being installed in provision shops and entertainment centers nationwide.
During weeks of field reporting in Montserrado, Margibi, Bong, and Grand Bassa Counties, a FrontPage Africa reporter observed minors openly placing bets on the devices — in some cases during school hours.
In the 15th Gate Community in Montserrado County, a 13-year-old boy identified only as James was recorded placing bets on a Winners Incorporated POS sports betting machine. The student admitted that he frequently skips classes to operate a machine placed in his older brother’s custody by the betting company.
Law Prohibits Underage Gambling
The development appears to violate the General Code of Practice enacted by the National Lottery Authority (NLA) on March 27, 2025, pursuant to the National Lottery Authority Act of 2014.
The code explicitly prohibits individuals under the age of 18 from participating in gambling activities, entering premises hosting gambling machines, or registering on online betting platforms.
However, several shop owners interviewed by FrontPage Africa said they do not possess licenses to operate the slot machines installed at their businesses. Some admitted they were unaware that minors are legally barred from gambling.
The slot machines operate by inserting coins into a slot and pressing a button that activates spinning symbols on a wheel. Shop owners described the distributors simply as “some guys from China,” though it remains unclear whether the distributors are licensed to install and operate the machines across multiple locations.
Parents, Experts Raise Alarm
Parents say the unchecked spread of gambling devices poses a growing threat to Liberia’s youth.
“Students as young as 10, 11, 12, and 15 are engaging in gambling on these machines,” one concerned parent said, warning of long-term consequences for children exposed at an early age.
Mamie Sackie, a mother of two, called on authorities to conduct raids on entertainment centers and provision shops hosting slot machines.
“The way these Chinese have brought gambling machines into the country, they are intended to destroy our children, as many of them are becoming gamblers at an early age. If the government does not seize these machines, most of our children will end up on the streets and turn into ‘zokos.”
“If the government does not seize these machines, most of our children will end up on the streets and turn into zokos (youths affected by drug addiction),” she said.
Peter Sumo also urged the National Lottery Authority to confiscate gambling machines found at unlicensed businesses and impose fines or pursue legal action against operators.
Joseph Jimmy Sankaituah, an international development specialist based in Kakata, described the rapid proliferation of slot machines as a serious societal threat.
“These machines are deployed in every corner of Liberia. Our children spend countless hours playing, even during school hours,” Sankaituah said, urging the Legislature to intervene before long-term social damage becomes irreversible.
Health Risks and Social Impact
Research identifies youth gambling as a significant public health concern, linking early exposure to psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Studies show that children introduced to gambling at a young age are more likely to develop compulsive gambling behaviors later in life.
Game Quitters, an organization focused on gaming and gambling addiction recovery, reports that youth engaged in gambling are more likely to drop out of school and become involved in criminal activity and violence.
Senate Raised Concerns in 2024
Concerns over underage gambling are not new.
In April 2024, during a special sitting of the Senate, Bong County Senator Johnny Kpehe warned about the proliferation of betting booths and centers across the country, many allegedly operated by Chinese nationals. He described the centers as a serious distraction to students and minors and called for stricter enforcement of age restrictions.
Although the matter was placed on the Senate’s agenda for further discussion, no concrete action was taken to significantly curb the spread of unregulated betting and slot machines.
NLA Responds
When contacted, National Lottery Authority Marketing Director Kai Gee told FrontPage Africa that the NLA has taken steps to improve compliance under the leadership of Director General Peter L. Solo.
Gee disclosed that within six months, the Authority has established a collaborative task force comprising representatives from the Ministry of Gender, Ministry of Justice, Liberia National Police, Ministry of Education, and civil society organizations to address underage gaming.
“We’ve gathered verified reports indicating that minors are indeed involved in gaming, prompting us to launch a corrective campaign about a week ago,” Gee said.
He noted that the campaign has already resulted in the removal of gaming machines from businesses found violating regulations. Operations began in Bomi County and have expanded to Lofa County, targeting both underage gaming and unlicensed operators.
Gee further disclosed that on Friday, February 20, the NLA announced an immediate suspension of all mini-slot or Chinese gaming coin machines nationwide as part of efforts to strengthen compliance and prevent underage gambling.
The Authority is also airing public awareness jingles on community radio stations to educate the public about the risks associated with underage gaming, he said.
Despite these measures, gambling machines remain visible in many communities, and minors continue to access them with little restriction.
As betting terminals and slot machines multiply across Liberia, the question facing regulators, lawmakers, and parents alike is whether enforcement will catch up before a generation is lost to gambling addiction.
