The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has ordered all Lotto Marketing Companies, Private Lotto Operators, collaborators and licensees to stop paying commissions beyond the approved 25 percent rate for retailers and agents, warning that violators risk losing their operating licences.
In a statement dated May 15, 2026, the Authority said it had identified operators circumventing the approved rate by disguising excess payments as incentives and bonuses. The NLA was unambiguous in its position, stating that “any commission payment above the approved 25% is illegal.”
The current 25 percent commission structure took effect in August 2024 following a regulatory review aimed at improving the financial sustainability of the lottery business. The NLA said any additional payment linked to retailer or agent compensation, regardless of how it is labelled, falls within its regulatory jurisdiction and requires explicit written approval before implementation.
Operators have been directed to seek such approval before introducing any incentive or promotional package, and to immediately discontinue payments exceeding the approved threshold. The Authority warned that failure to comply would attract sanctions including suspension or outright revocation of operating licences.
