Liberia Sets $80,000 Licence Fees for Online Casinos and Prediction Markets

Liberia’s National Lottery Authority (NLA) has introduced an $80,000 licence fee for online casinos and a separate $80,000 fee for prediction market operators under Regulation No. 005 of 2026. The framework took effect following publication in the Official Gazette on October 1, bringing new financial, advertising and monitoring requirements to the sector. 

The regulation combines revised licensing charges with minimum capital requirements and a planned Central Lottery Management System (CLMS). Its implementation includes transition periods for operators to meet certain financial and technical obligations.

Licensing Fees and Capital Requirements

Sports betting licence fees remain at $90,000 for online and physical operations, with additional county licences carrying separate charges. The application fee rises from $400 to $500, while late renewal charges increase from $500 to $1,500. The minimum penalty for regulatory breaches increases from $3,000 to $5,000.

Prediction market operators must have at least $500,000 in paid-up capital. They may offer products through a dedicated licence or a partnership ratified by the NLA board. Contracts concerning the death of a named person, the commission of a crime or the outcome of a Liberian election are prohibited. Player funds must be kept separate from operating capital. 

Online casino and sports betting businesses also face a $500,000 minimum capital requirement. Existing licensees have 180 days from the regulation’s effective date to meet the new thresholds, unless the board specifies a different transition period. Compliance requires audited financial statements and bank confirmation. 

Transaction Monitoring to Follow Operational Launch

The CLMS is intended to give the regulator real-time access to transaction data for monitoring, auditing and reporting. The regulation directs the NLA to procure and deploy the system, rather than confirming that it is already operational.

Connection will become a licensing condition once the director general declares the platform operational. Operators will then have a 180-day transition period, unless the board sets a shorter deadline. Material data breaches, system failures and unauthorised interference must be reported within 24 hours of detection. Essential financial, transaction and compliance records must be retained for at least five years. 

Advertising Restrictions Cover Influencers

Operators cannot advertise in media where more than 30% of the expected audience is under 18. Digital advertising must include age controls before users can click through to registration or purchase pages.

Paid influencers must disclose commercial relationships, while operators must check that their audiences are predominantly adults. Advertising must also carry responsible gambling information and cannot promise guaranteed winnings or present gambling as a solution to financial hardship.