Leading private lotto operator, Alpha Lotto Limited, and gaming company BetPawa Ghana have emerged as top winners at the Ghana Gaming and Lottery Awards, each scooping three awards.
Alpha Lotto secured three prestigious awards, making it the most awarded company of the night in the lottery category.
Its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kenneth Kwame Asare, was honoured with the CEO of the Year award.
The company also claimed the Private Lotto Company of the Year title and the Marketing Campaign of the Year award in the lottery category.
BetPawa also had an impressive showing in the gaming category, taking home three awards: the Responsible Gaming Initiative Award, the Innovation in Gaming Technology Award, and the Marketing Campaign of the Year award in the gaming category.
Millionaires Casino Ghana Limited was named Gaming Operator of the Year, while its CEO, Sharon Close, received the CEO of the Year award in the gaming category.
Mr. Samuel Awuku, the Director- General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), and the Commissioner of the Gaming Commission Ghana, Peter Mireku, were both presented with Special Recognition Awards for their contributions to the industry.
Organized by Syndicated Entertainment Solutions, the awards ceremony aimed to recognize individuals and companies promoting responsible gaming and lottery practices in Ghana.
The event underscored the industry’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and ethical standards, aligning with the goals of the NLA and Gaming Commission to enhance the regulatory framework and drive growth in the sector.
Speaking at the ceremony, Gary Nimako-Marfo, Board Chairman of the NLA, called for a merger between the NLA and the Gaming Commission to streamline regulatory processes.
He also mentioned that the NLA had issued licenses to 28 lottery companies whose licenses had expired earlier this year. Nimako-Marfo warned about the negative impact of unlicensed and illegal companies on the industry, stating, “Their operations are harming the industry in Ghana.”
NLA Director-General, Mr Awuku, reassured the public that the authority is committed to ensuring fairness in the industry, stating that everyone should have a fair chance to win.
Meanwhile, Alex Apau Dadey, Board Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Council (GIPC), advised gaming and lottery operators to innovate beyond their industries and collaborate to drive growth and job creation.
Deputy Attorney General, Diana Asonaba Dapaah, representing the Attorney General, emphasized the importance of ethical and responsible gaming practices.
She highlighted the awards as a way to showcase individuals and companies that exemplify these values, serving as a benchmark for the industry.
CEO of Syndicated Entertainment Solutions, Manuella Frempomaa Ansong, congratulated the award winners, acknowledging their significant contributions to the gaming and lottery sectors.
“You have made an indelible mark on your respective industries, and we are here to applaud your achievements,” she said.
Full list of award winners
Gaming Operator of the Year – Millionaires Casino Ghana Limited
Private Lottery Operator of the Year – Alpha Lotto Limited
Responsible Gaming Initiative Award – BetPawa (Choplife Gaming Limited)
Responsible Lottery Initiative Award – Rand Lottery Co. Ltd
Innovation in Gaming Technology – BetPawa (Choplife Gaming Limited)
Innovation in Lottery Technology – Wulucky Ghana Limited
Customer Service Excellence (Gaming) – Golden Dragon Casino Ghana Limited
Customer Service Excellence (Lottery) – Blue Star Hi-Tech
Marketing Campaign of the Year (Gaming) – BetPawa (Choplife Gaming Limited)
Marketing Campaign of the Year (Lottery) – Alpha Lotto Limited
Regulatory Compliance Award (Gaming) – Wingatebet Ltd.
Regulatory Compliance Award (Lottery) – Rand Lottery Co. Ltd.
Lifetime Achievement Award (Gaming) – Hon. Peter Mireku (CEO, Gaming Commission of Ghana)
Lifetime Achievement Award (Lottery) – Dr. George Gyamfi (Industry Expert, NCA)
Non-Corporate Lotto Marketing Company of the Year – Ms. Mercy Emefa Avorgbedor
Corporate Lotto Marketing Company of the Year – Mr. Francis Opoku (Money Zone Co. Ltd)
Chief Executive Officer of the Year (Gaming) – Ms. Sharon Close (CEO of Millionaires Casino Ghana Ltd)
Chief Executive Officer of the Year (Lottery) – Kenneth Kwame Asare, CEO of Alpha Lotto Ltd)
Special Recognition Award (Gaming Commission of Ghana) – Peter Mireku
Special Recognition Award (NLA) – Samuel Awuku