15 Jul 2020

Scam prompts Samoan PM's call for gaming review

6:38 am on 15 July 2020

Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has suggested a review of the Gaming Control Authority.

This follows the sacking of eight workers employed by the Authority who were involved in a scam while selling Australian TMS Tattslotto gambling tickets.

Tuilaepa said that TMS Tattslotto should have realised that their revenues were not the same.

The scam was discovered after two sacked staff members went to TV1Samoa with their story and selling out other members of their scam gang.

The Gaming Control Authority carries several gambling products like Powerball, Oz Lotto, Tattslotto and scratch cards from TMS Tattslotto in Australia.

It also operates the national lottery, Samoa Sportslotto, drawn each Saturday evening with profits being shared to local sporting bodies and charitable organizations.

Apia, the national capital of Samoa.

Apia, the national capital of Samoa. Photo: RNZ / Koroi Hawkins