Gambling and online casinos in Ghana

Ghana is one of Africa's most developed and open gambling countries.

Here gambling is officially allowed, regulated at the state level and makes a significant contribution to the economy.

Casinos, betting companies and online operators operate legally, and the country itself is considered a regional center for licensing and investing in gambling.

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Historical context

Gambling in Ghana began to develop back in the 1960s, after gaining independence and the growth of tourist flow to Accra and Kumasi.

The first casino appeared in 1975 at the Golden Tulip Hotel, and by the 1990s the industry had acquired a steady commercial character.

Since 2006, after the adoption of the new law, the country has become one of the African jurisdictions where gambling is regulated according to the European model.

Today, Ghana has become an important hub in the African gambling business, attracting both local companies and international brands.

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Legislation and regulation

The basis of the legal system is the Gaming Act 2006 (Act 721), which regulates all forms of gambling - from casinos to online betting.

The main regulator is the Gaming Commission of Ghana (GCG), subordinate to the Ministry of the Interior.

The main functions of GCG are:

• issuing and renewing licenses for operators;
• monitoring compliance with safety and fair play standards;
• supervision of taxation and reporting of companies;
• blocking unlicensed sites;
• development of responsible gambling.

Licenses are issued for 5 years, and the minimum authorized capital for operators is 1 million Ghanaian cedis (about $80,000).

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Legal forms of gambling

In Ghana, all key areas are allowed:

• Casinos and gaming parlors are completely legal;
• Bookmakers - operate under licence from GCG;
• Lotteries and Instant Games - overseen by the National Lottery Authority (NLA);
• Online gambling - licensed since 2019.

National operators:

• National Lottery Authority (NLA) - state lotteries;
• Betway Ghana, 1xBet Ghana, Betika, BetPawa, Melbet Ghana are the largest online platforms.

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Casino and offline gambling

Casinos in Ghana are active in major cities - Accra, Kumasi, Takaradi.

They are aimed at both tourists and local players.

The most famous casinos are:

• Golden Dragon Casino (Accra) - a modern casino in the center of the capital;
• Millionaires Casino (Accra) - a premium venue with board games and VIP lounges;
• La Palm Casino - at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, popular with foreigners;
• Casino Kumasi is the largest casino in the northern part of the country.

According to Africa Gaming Review 2024, revenue from land-based casinos exceeded ₵500 million (about $40 million), and tax revenues amounted to ₵75 million.

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Online gambling

Online gambling is the fastest growing destination in Ghana.

After amending the law in 2019

The Gaming Commission began issuing licenses to Internet operators, which legalized online betting and virtual casinos.

Popular sites:

• Betway Ghana
• 1xBet Ghana
• Betika Ghana
• Melbet
• BC. Game
• Stake. com

Online gambling develops mainly through mobile applications, and the average age of the player is from 20 to 35 years.

Payment methods:

• MTN Mobile Money, AirtelTigo Cash, Vodafone Cash - national mobile wallets;
• Visa / MasterCard;
• cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, USDT) - for offshore platforms.

In 2024, the online gambling market was estimated at $120 million, and annual growth exceeds 15%.

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Economic importance

Gambling has become an important source of revenue for Ghana's budget.

According to the Ministry of Finance, in 2024 the industry brought in more than ₵1,2 billion tax revenues and created about 10,000 jobs.

Key benefits to the economy:

• development of digital payments and mobile services;
• attracting foreign investment;
• the growth of domestic tourism and the hospitality sector;
• sponsorship of sports (especially football).

The Ghana Premier League is funded by Betway and NLA.

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Cultural and religious context

Ghana is a religious country (about 70% Christians, 18% Muslims), but attitudes towards gambling are moderately positive here.

The government and churches advocate control and accountability rather than banning gambling.

The Play Responsibly program, introduced by the Gaming Commission, provides hotlines for players and financial literacy training for young people.

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Prospects

Ghana aims to become a regional licensing centre for online gambling.

The government is working on a digital license system and plans to establish a Gaming Innovation Hub in Accra.

Development Priorities 2030:

• introduction of blockchain technologies to control rates;
• integration of cryptocurrency payments;
• development of esport betting and live casino;
• creation of the "Gaming District" - a tourist quarter with casinos and clubs.

According to West Africa Gaming Outlook 2030, Ghana's gambling market could reach $400 million a year, and the online sector will occupy more than 70% of this volume.

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Ghana is one of Africa's most advanced and sustainable gambling markets.

It combines transparent regulation, openness to investors and innovation.

Today, the country confidently ranks among the top 3 African leaders in the development of online casinos and betting, second only to Nigeria and South Africa, and is preparing to become the new "iGaming hub of West Africa."