NLA shuts down Alpha Lotto Limited’s *896# short code

The National Lottery Authority (NLA), in collaboration with the National Communications Authority (NCA), has shut down the online digital short code *896# operated by Alpha Lotto Limited.

This follows a breach of the terms and conditions under Act 844 guiding the operations of Alpha Lotto Limited of the licence issued to it by the Authority.

A statement from the NLA explained that the licence under Act 844 never covered the operation of short codes, adding that there are different classes of licences issued by the Authority to operators, some of which have been licensed to operate lotto via USSD (Short Code) and the web.

“Lotto Marketing Companies and Private Lotto Operators, including Alpha Lotto Limited, were licensed by NLA to operate lotto via Point of Sale Terminals. All Companies licensed by NLA have no right to operate new games and conduct independent lotto draws without a Draw Committee fully constituted by NLA in accordance with the laws,” it said.

Caution

Portions of the statement noted that the Authority had written to the Director-General of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) to indefinitely suspend the illegal lotto draws of Alpha Lotto Limited with immediate effect.

“It is the hope of NLA that management of GBC/GTV will respect and enforce the directives of the National Lottery Authority by stopping the telecast of the illegal Lotto Draws of Alpha Lotto Limited as soon as possible to avoid being sued by NLA,” it said.

The Authority further cautioned its stakeholders to operate within the terms and conditions stipulated under their respective licenses.

“The National Lottery Authority (NLA) is cautioning the Private Lotto Operators and their Agents to operate within the Terms and Conditions of their respective licences,” it said.