All you need to know about Ghana’s gambling industry

If you are looking for variation in attitudes to gambling, Africa is the way to go. Thus, if you need a liberal market, you can explore Ghana, which comes second to Nigeria, considering the policies in the West African nations. Although there are no exact figures, a staggering 45% of adults in Ghana take part in some form of gambling.

Most of the population in Ghana comprises of young people, aged between 19 and 34 years. With a total population of around 30 million, youths comprise more than 50%. This age group is enthusiastic about betting, both from brick and mortar casinos as well as online bookmakers.

Accra-Melting Pot for Casinos in Ghana

Unlike countries that impose strict rules, Ghanaian authorities have allowed casino operators to run their businesses freely. The country is home to many land-based casinos where players visit to enjoy poker, table games and slots. The facilities have other recreational features like restaurants and swimming pools.

The capital Accra alone hosts more than six casinos. One of them is Piccadily which is based in the up-market of Osu region. It is the most popular destination for both local and foreign players. The town of Tema has two vibrant casinos which include Casino Crown and The Golden Dragon. You can also enjoy a variety of games and slots from the Millionaire’s Casino based in the Golden Tulip hotel complex in the town of Kusami. It is clear that Ghanaian gamers have a world of entertainment around them.

The Ghanaian population is rather cosmopolitan; hence many gamers are influenced by modern society created by foreigners. Initially, the country was guided by strict religious values that oppose gambling, but foreign incursion has faded the rules amongst the youths.

Gambling Laws

The kind of laxity in the legislation of the gambling industry has led to a liberal approach by both gamers and casino owners. The last law on gambling was passed in 2006 through a gaming act. This legislation came long after 1960 when the first major law was put in place.

Among the issues that were introduced by the gaming act was the formation of the Gaming Commission of Ghana. The aim was to establish a body that would be responsible for supervising, regulating and controlling operators in the industry. In the initial years of the commission’s formation, it was perceived as an authoritative and independent organization. Companies that failed to live up to the betting rules and standards were punished or shut down.

Even though the commission was seen to be a source of sanity in the gambling industry, there were no clauses that defined its powers regarding online gambling. As a result, online gambling in Ghana today remains ungoverned, and companies can access the market freely because there are no clear regulations.

The Online Gambling Question

Many quarters are now advocating for a change in the Gaming Act to cater for the online business. This is because of the massive benefits that come with the law. The primary concern is that a licensing system should be established so that the government can have a clear structure of collecting revenue from gambling activities.

For instance, the companies would remit licensing fees before gaining access to Ghana and also pay taxes upon their profits. In other countries, gambling is earning billions of money for governments; thus, the Ghanaian government should seek to legalize online businesses. It should interest many people to have online gambling licensed because the funds generated will be channeled into public services like schools, hospitals and transport.

The Ghanaian population is widely dispersed, making it very difficult to access brick and mortar casinos. If the lawmakers implement the changes in the Gaming Act, there will be more people playing from online casinos. In fact, they will have more confidence in the sites they visit because of the guarantee that they are protected by law.

The Future of Gambling in Ghana

The gambling industry in Africa is snowballing. From this perspective, you can tell that Ghana has the potential to enhance the online offering to its citizens. Countries like South Africa have imposed stringent laws against online operators to protect the land-based casinos. However, the potential that Ghana holds is immense, meaning there will be no need to restrict online companies.

Ghanaian gamblers should brace for a promising future because the country will be heading for a more liberal approach. Sports betting enthusiasts are going to reap more significant fortunes because most of the online operators provide odds related to sporting events. Besides, there are huge rewards in this category, ranging in hundreds of millions of money. This is a motivating factor that is going to transform the Ghanaian market to cement the country as an African gambling hub.

Conclusion

The gambling industry in Ghana can be rated as fair due to the lack of online regulations. However, the vibrant land-based casinos have placed the country on the African map. There are online operators, but they comprise of foreign-based companies. Once the regulators revise the Gaming Act and introduce laws for online gaming, Ghana will be a force to reckon in this industry.

About Post Author

Peris Wambu

“Hey, Peris here! I am enthusiastic about sports and gaming in general and a massive Liverpool fan. Every piece of writing you receive is brought to you by the power of countless cups of coffee!”

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Peris Wambu

“Hey, Peris here! I am enthusiastic about sports and gaming in general and a massive Liverpool fan. Every piece of writing you receive is brought to you by the power of countless cups of coffee!”