Agongo’s Onassis Sports Holds Exclusive NLA Caritas Licence
…As Monopoly Debate in Lottery Industry Deepens
Fresh details have emerged, indicating that Onassis Sports Limited, a company associated with businessman Seidu Agongo, has been operating the National Lottery Authority’s (NLA) Caritas Lottery platform since 2024 under a licence granted during the tenure of former NLA Director-General, Sammi Awuku.
According to sources within the lottery industry, the company commenced pilot operations of the Caritas Lottery in 2024 before transitioning into full-scale operations later the same year.
The development has reignited debate within the lottery sector, particularly amid ongoing discussions about alleged monopoly practices surrounding the NLA’s 5/90 USSD and mobile lottery operations.
Industry players argue that, while some stakeholders have accused KGL Technology Limited of enjoying exclusive rights over the NLA’s digital lottery operations, similar concerns have not been raised regarding Onassis Sports’ sole operation of the Caritas Lottery platform.
Critics of the monopoly narrative contend that, if Onassis Sports remains the only company licensed to operate the Caritas Lottery platform, under New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, then allegations of exclusivity should be examined across the entire lottery sector rather than being directed at a single operator.
They explained that, KGL Technology Limited has never publicly expressed interest in taking over or participating in the Caritas Lottery business, maintaining that the company has consistently respected the boundaries of licences granted by the NLA to other operators.
Sources familiar with the industry, maintain that the Caritas Lottery remains one of the NLA’s flagship lottery products and possesses significant growth potential if supported by robust technology, marketing, and corporate participation.
The debate also extends to the history of digital lottery operations in Ghana.
According to industry players, when KGL entered the NLA space in 2019, there were no competing proposals before the Authority to operate the 5/90 USSD and mobile lottery platform.
They argue that the business model was widely viewed as capital-intensive and risky, given the difficulties encountered by previous NLA-backed mobile lottery initiatives, including Mobi Game 2 Sure in 2008 and Mobile 5/90 and Soccer Cash in 2015.
Some stakeholders have therefore attributed KGL’s current market position to years of investment, innovation, and financial risk-taking rather than preferential treatment.
The discussion has also generated fresh questions regarding the operations of Onassis Sports, particularly its use of the *859# shortcode for lottery-related activities.
Some industry players have called for clarity on whether the service received the necessary approvals from the NLA, the amount of revenue generated, and the corresponding corporate income taxes paid to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) during the period of operation.
Analysts believe, a comprehensive disclosure of licensing arrangements, revenues, and regulatory approvals within the lottery sector could help address growing concerns and promote fair competition among operators.
The debate continues as stakeholders await further clarification from the NLA and other regulatory bodies on the structure and operation of Ghana’s lottery industry.
