…says ready for consultations on proposed laws

The Guyana Lottery Company (GLC) says it is ready to have consultations on the proposed Gaming Authority Bill that was tabled in the National Assembly last month, as the agency supports the Government’s efforts to better regulate the sector. General Manager (GM) and Director of GLC, Kalima Ali, made these remarks on Friday evening at the company’s 30th Anniversary Dinner and Awards Appreciation Ceremony held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown. According to Ali, the Lottery Company has been providing responsible and safe gaming services to the Guyanese population for the past three decades – something, she added, it is committed to continue doing. “As the industry continues to evolve, so too must the framework that supports it. We welcome the Government’s direction to better regulate the market through the introduction of the Guyana Gaming Authority Bill 2026. And we support efforts to establish a modern, transparent and well-regulated gaming environment. We would not have it any other way,” the GM asserted. The proposed legislation, tabled by Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall in July, seeks to tighten the regulation of gaming activities amid growing concerns over the social consequences of increased access to gambling through betting shops and mobile applications. Welcoming these proposed laws to streamline the betting industry, Ali indicated that the Lottery Company is ready to have engagements on the Gaming Authority Bill. “We believe that this legislation will strengthen oversight, enhance confidence and support the continued development of Guyana’s gaming sector. We look forward to consultation and further engagement on the bill,” she emphasised.

The GM noted that while their services provided fall within the gambling category, the GLC is more than just a gaming business. She said over the past 30 years, the Lotter Company has positively changed the lives of many Guyanese with billions of dollars in winnings as well as contribute meaningfully to the local economy through support to goodwill initiatives, sports, community development and small businesses through its 200-plus retail agent network. “We have also contributed largely and meaningfully to the national treasury of Guyana and those monies have been used over the years to fund some of the very programmes that the Government brings to you in your communities,” Ali emphasised.