Guinea Launches $59 Million Lottery Royalty Investigation, Plans Wider Gambling Sector Probe

Guinea's financial crimes prosecutor has opened an investigation into approximately GNF539.17 billion ($59 million) in allegedly unpaid state royalties linked to the National Lottery, with scrutiny expected to extend to private gambling operators and payment transactions.

Guinea has launched a major financial investigation into the management of public gambling revenues, placing the state-owned National Lottery, LONAGUI, under judicial scrutiny.

On November 3, Alphonse Charles Wright, Special Prosecutor at the Court for the Repression of Economic and Financial Offences (CRIEF), ordered a preliminary investigation into suspected misappropriation of public funds, corruption and financial irregularities.

The investigation concerns approximately GNF539.17 billion in reportedly outstanding royalties associated with LONAGUI's physical lottery network.

According to financial information cited by prosecutors, a partial royalty payment was recorded for 2023, while no subsequent payments were recorded for 2024, 2025 or January–September 2026.

The investigation covers three successive directors general: Lansana Chérif Haidara, Aminata Sylla and current director Mohamed Baba Sylla.

Investigators from the Office for the Repression of Economic and Financial Offences (ORDEF) will examine bank accounts, agreements with private operators, betting-management systems and transfers to the Treasury.

Particular attention will be given to mobile-money transactions processed through Orange Money and MTN Mobile Money.

Authorities reported deposits exceeding GNF6.53 trillion through these channels in 2025, followed by approximately GNF5.09 trillion during the first half of 2026. These figures represent payment flows, not gross gaming revenue.

The investigation will also examine compliance with Guinea's 15% tax on gross gaming revenue and may extend to private gambling establishments.

The allegations have not been established by a court, and the officials named have not been convicted of wrongdoing.

For Guinea's gambling industry, the inquiry signals closer scrutiny of revenue reporting, digital payments and contractual relationships. Its findings could influence future regulatory oversight and financial compliance requirements.