The rise of Ghana's online gaming market

Although very young, the gaming industry in Ghana is quite advanced sectors, which puts the countries as one of the leaders on the African continent, especially in the West African region. When we speak about a gaming culture, casino activities such as sports betting, lottery and online slot games are rising in the moment.

Even though it’s hard to pin down exact numbers, it is assumed that around 40% of the adult population in Ghana takes part in some form of online gaming. This happens because of the fast and progressive economy growth. 

Ghana is a country with a comparatively young population. There are near 30 million residents with a dominant age group from 19-34 years old. It has to be mentioned that in 2006, almost 9% of the population had access to the internet. By 2019, this number went up to 45%. These years, residents in Ghana wager both online and at land-based bookmakers.

Market Overview

Compared with other countries in Europe and Africa, Ghana is relatively liberal in many aspects. As an example, the press is free and the media can report on all issues. Casino games are fully legal and regulated by the Ghana Gaming Commission and National Lottery Authority in accordance with the Gaming Act 721 in 2006. Until the establishment of the Gaming Commission, the Ministry of Interior had oversight responsibility for the regulation of Casinos and other games of chance.

The global gaming market size was valued at $48.5 billion in 2018 and is expected to register a growth rate of 12% to 2025. Factors such as easy internet access, cultural approval and corporate sponsorships are contributing to the market growth.

The Gaming Commission has also invested in the development of the casino industry. This was made possible by issuing licences to many Ghanaian and foreign casinos. There are currently more than 280 online casinos and more than 30 online sportsbooks. Many of them are optimised for mobile which enables players to access from the comfort of everywhere. 

Casino Gaming Laws and Regulations 

Unlike South Africa which has very strict gaming laws, there are several land-based casinos in Ghana that operate freely. These establishments welcome players who want to play slots, cards and table games in luxurious surroundings.

The popularity of casino games may seem to be at odds with the religious values of the country. However, the cosmopolitan lifestyle and foreign influence have played a major part in shaping Ghana’s modern society. 

One of the key landmarks the Act introduced was the establishment of the Gaming Commission of Ghana. The purpose of the organization has been to regulate, supervise and control operators running businesses involving games of chance in the country.

In the years that followed, the Commission was viewed as an independent organisation. This organisation constantly observes the operations of companies and their procedure standards. However, many providers pointed that the Gaming Act in Ghana failed to meet any specific prerequisites for the online casino industry. Today, online casino games are completely legal because there are no specific regulations for this activity. 

Need for online gaming regulations 

Many authorities are calling for the Act to be amended in order to start the shift towards more organised online gaming infrastructure.  One of the most important steps would be the introduction of an official licencing system. This system would be beneficial in many ways, as it will create an opportunity for a new revenue system for the government. 

Let’s go through the example of how the UK handles this matter. Much of the gambling revenue is assigned for restoration of vital public services such as hospitals, transports and schools. All gambling operators in the UK must adhere to strict anti-money laundering rules and regulations. 

The real winner of the UK gaming industry is the player. Operators are reaching out for new customers in this competitive industry. Developers on the other hand are levelling up their game when it comes to speed, graphics and game performances.  When you visit an online casino website, you will find that there’s a range of exclusive themed games that live up to their story and design. Traditional casino games like poker and roulette have successfully transferred their popularity online. Colourful and interesting slots like Jammin’ Jars are also becoming more popular because of their gameplay and bonus features. 

With such legislation in place, players will be able to access online casino websites with a greater level of confidence. After all, their security will be granted by the law. What’s more, the additional sources of revenue would be considered to solve crucial economic challenges. This country is in a strong position to develop an online gaming industry without disrupting the land-based casino venues. 

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