Lottery tickets are legal to purchase in Sierra Leone under the Lotteries Act enacted in 1960, which provides the statutory framework for lottery operations in the country. This legislation defines a lottery as any game, method, or device whereby money or money's worth is distributed in any manner depending upon chance or lot. The law permits certain lotteries while regulating public lottery activities to ensure compliance with established legal standards (1).
The Ministry of Finance oversees lottery operations in Sierra Leone, working alongside the Sierra Leone State Lottery Company to manage and regulate lottery activities. Lottery operators must submit formal applications demonstrating compliance with lottery standards, and while specific fees are not publicly disclosed, applicants must be registered legal entities with demonstrated financial stability. The regulatory framework established in 1960 continues to govern lottery operations, with the state lottery company holding significant authority over lottery licensing and oversight (2).
"In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires- lottery includes any game, method or device whereby money or money's worth is distributed or allotted in any manner depending upon or to be determined by chance or lot."
The Lotteries Ordinance permits specific exemptions, allowing raffles or lotteries at bazaars or fancy fairs held to raise funds for public institutions, provided written permission from the Minister is obtained. Recent developments include the 2024 Finance Act, which introduced a 10% tax on betting companies, reflecting increased government oversight of the gambling sector. Parliament ratified a joint venture agreement in 2022 between the Sierra Leone State Lottery Company and Accord Logistics to modernize and expand lottery operations throughout the country (2).
Source:
https://www.sierra-leone.org/Laws/Cap%2032.pdf
https://legalpilot.com/country/sierra-leone/
Last updated: 16-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
