Liberia's National Lottery Authority suspends operations of Lipay Bet for regulatory violations

The Liberia National Lottery Authority (NLA) has officially suspended the operations of Lipay Bet (1xBet) in Liberia due to violations of gaming regulations. This decision, announced on October 9, 2024, comes with an immediate warning to the public against engaging in any business with the company.

The NLA has ordered Lipay Bet to remove all advertising billboards and cease online, radio, and television promotions within 48 hours. This action follows Lipay Bet's involvement in a court case with its shareholders and its unauthorized closure of offices, which breaches section 7.1.1 of Liberia's gaming regulations.

The authority highlighted Lipay Bet's failure to pay shareholders and winners from its online gaming platform for several weeks as evidence of its inability to operate responsibly. Although the company has closed its physical offices, it has continued to operate its online platform unlawfully, generating significant revenue while neglecting to pay out winnings.

Despite multiple communications from the NLA, Lipay Bet has not complied with regulatory requirements aimed at ensuring responsible gaming and maintaining integrity in the industry. The NLA has stated that the suspension will remain in effect until the conclusion of ongoing court proceedings and until Lipay Bet settles all outstanding liabilities with its winners.