Ghana Gaming Commission proposes regulation of online gambling

Ghana's Gambling Commission is embarking on a "new phase" of regulation when it comes to online gambling

Ghana is second to Nigeria in terms of liberal gambling policies among the West African countries. Casino companies like Betway Ghana have been allowed to operate by authorities without restraint.  

The 2006 Act is the second and the last piece of legislation on gambling in Ghana after the first act which was passed in 1960. However, it did not address online gambling in Ghana. It is in the public interest for the government to legalise online gambling, as huge revenues generated from the sector could be utilised to improve other public sectors like hospitals and schools.  Such success was seen from other African countries notoriously known for online gambling. 

Adeleye Awakan from E-Play Africa reported, that the Ghana commission had finally proposed to regulate online gambling in the country under the theme “The New Phase of Gaming Regulation.”

The Ghana Comission is using an ongoing rebranding process, that has unveiled a new logo to reflect its rebranding drive and emerging trends in the gaming industry. In addition, closely examining the grey areas of the online regulation to meet international standards. 

Peter Mireku, the Ghana Gaming Commissioner, said it is seeking to introduce new policies and regulations into the gaming industry. 

The Gaming Commission of Ghana is the sole regulatory entity for the gambling industry in Ghana, excluding the lottery, which is run by the National Lottery Authority (NLA). It is an agency under the Ministry of the Interior, that handles licensing for casino and sports betting operators as well as monitoring and the supervision of games of chance in accordance with the Gaming Act 721 in 2006. 

Mr. Ambrose Dery, Minister for the Interior, stated that “online gaming was one area in the industry that needed regulation, that ushering a new phase of Gaming Regulation is an attestation that the industry has undergone significant evolution over the years. It is imperative to introduce new policies and regulations to meet the emerging trends and challenges in the gaming industry.”

As a result, this has prompted the government to stop issuing new gambling licenses to complete the phase of re branding and adequately regulate the country’s online gambling sector, according to Awakan.

Sports betting enthusiasts will be the biggest beneficiaries as most online operators like Betway offer odds related to sports activities. 

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