Ghana, officially known as the Republic of Ghana, is a country located in West Africa. It was under British rule for many years until it gained independence in 1957. Today, Ghana is one of the few African countries that have legalized gambling, regulating both land-based and online casino activities.
Since a large portion of Ghana’s population is between the ages of 19 and 34, it comes as no surprise that one of the youth’s favorite pastimes, gambling, is a well-developed industry in the country. Because land-based gambling is regulated, the country offers a large number of casinos where players can enjoy games such as slots, classic table games, and poker.
Often described as one of the most liberal countries in Africa, Ghana offers both locals and tourists a wide variety of gambling activities. In the capital, Accra, one can find six different land-based casinos, with the one in Piccadilly being the top destination for numerous casino enthusiasts.
While gambling can be viewed as a great way to boost the Ghanaian economy, the increasing popularity of casinos and sportsbooks may create a new set of issues for residents of the African country. Many believe that the industry requires stricter regulations to ensure a safer gambling environment for those suffering from gambling-related harm.
Nevertheless, gambling remains a legal and regulated sector in Ghana, with the country ranking among the top contributors to Africa’s economic growth. If you are wondering how gambling is regulated in Ghana, continue reading as we cover the main laws that make up the country’s legal framework for gambling.
History of Gambling in Ghana
Gambling in Ghana can be traced back more than half a century, with the industry regulated through several important pieces of legislation. The first brick-and-mortar casino in Ghana launched in 2003, giving guests of La Palm Royal Beach Hotel the chance to enjoy the hotel’s gambling facility, La Palm Casino. Several other casinos soon opened across the country, offering Ghanaians a great gaming experience.
Casinos authorized to operate in Ghana are regulated by the local Gaming Commission. The same body licenses brick-and-mortar casino operators, supervises the activities they offer, and regulates their operations.
The lottery is also legal in Ghana, with the activity being introduced by the Department of National Lotteries in 1958. The authority is responsible for organizing and distributing raffle tickets among Ghanaian citizens. The Lotto and Betting Act was enacted in 1960, allowing lotteries as a means of boosting Ghana’s economy through revenue collected from lottery taxes. The first draw for the Fixed Odds Lottery in Ghana was held on September 29, 1962.
Over the years, the lottery law underwent several amendments, establishing the National Lottery Commission through the National Lotto Act 722. In 1979, the manual coupons players purchased were replaced by mechanized cards that allowed them to pick their own numbers instead of playing with randomly selected combinations. Today, players can even participate online, selecting numbers through electronic tickets.
Sports betting is also legal in Ghana, and it ranks as the most popular wagering activity in the country. Sports betting was legalized in 2006 and quickly became widely enjoyed in Ghana. Regulation of sports betting also falls under the remit of the Gaming Commission of Ghana.
Gambling Regulations in Ghana
Gambling in Ghana is governed by three primary pieces of legislation: the Lotteries Betting Act of 1960, the Casino Licensing Act, and the Gambling Machines Act of 1973. Under current Ghanaian law, all forms of gambling are legal and regulated. The Ghana Gaming Commission (GGC) oversees the entire gambling industry, while the National Lottery Authority (NLA) regulates lotteries.
The GGC carries out its mandate in accordance with the Gaming Act 721, enacted in 2006. Casino and sportsbook operators that wish to operate in Ghana must obtain a license from the GGC.
Brick-and-Mortar Casinos in Ghana
Other Legal Gambling Activities in Ghana
Online Gambling in GhanaClosing Thoughts
Ghana is one of the few African countries that have legalized gambling in both land-based and online forms. The majority of the gambling activities are regulated according to the Gaming Act of 2006. When it comes to licensing casino and sports betting operations or overseeing their activities, these responsibilities fall under the remit of the Ghana Gaming Commission. While lotteries have also been legalized in Ghana, this sector is regulated by the National Lotto Act, with the National Lottery Authority overseeing the operation of lottery games in the country.
Although gambling is legal and regulated in Ghana, the local authorities are not very strict about how these activities are conducted. Since there are no significant requirements for customer protection, many players and bettors may end up risking their money and safety while playing at casinos and sportsbooks based in Ghana.
With the growing popularity of online gaming and sports betting, many Ghanaians now place wagers online. Despite a number of virtual casinos being licensed by the GGC, these operators do not have the best reputation for safety. Although Ghana has legalized almost all forms of gambling, it still needs to improve its legislative system to ensure better protection for Ghanaian players and bettors.