Ghana
With the Gaming Commission of Ghana regulating all online sports gambling, bettors in this country have plenty of choices when selecting available sports betting apps. Online gambling has been legal in the country since 2006, and the regulated market has grown stronger yearly.
🇬🇭 Legal sports betting apps in Ghana:
Online sports betting in Ghana - Legal since 2006
There are very few restrictions when it comes to sports betting in Ghana. Players can choose to wager traditionally in person at a land-based sportsbook, and these retail betting sites are located mainly in larger towns and cities. However, the best way to bet on sports is online, where the odds are usually better.
Ghana legalized online sports betting in 2006, and since then, there has been an increasingly good choice of regulated sports betting websites. Many popular sportsbooks also offer players the option to bet via an app, which is probably the easiest way to make a bet nowadays.
The Gaming Commission of Ghana (GCG) regulates both online and offline sports betting and online casinos. The GCG also governs the country's land-based casinos, but fewer than ten retail casinos are primarily found in Accra and other large cities. The commission does not oversee the country's lottery, which is regulated by the National Lottery Authority (NLA).
Despite the existence of a regulatory body, it does not restrict players from accessing online casinos and betting apps with overseas licenses, including offshore gambling sites and sportsbooks. However, players are always better off accessing sportsbooks with a GCG license, as the commission can hold betting sites accountable and ensure fair play.
Today, over 30 licensed sports betting operators, including online sites and mobile apps, are available in the country, and if you count all the offshore sportsbooks operating with reputable overseas licenses, such as one from the UK Gambling Commission or MGA, the total number is far greater.
Sports betting legislation in Ghana
| Is online sports betting legal in Ghana? | Yes |
| Is in-person sports betting legal? | Yes |
| Is daily fantasy sports legal? | Yes |
| Is horse racing betting legal? | Yes |
| Is political betting legal? | Yes |
| Is eSports betting legal? | Yes |
| How many legal sports betting apps are there in Ghana? | 30+ |
| Legal age for sports betting in Ghana? | 18+ |
| Ghana's tax rate for betting/gambling winnings | 10% |
| Who regulates sports betting in Ghana? | The Gaming Commission of Ghana |
There are very few restrictions on the type of betting that is legal in Ghana, which means players can expect to find the full range of casino and sports wagering options at the licensed sites in this county. The government is one of the more liberal African nations in its approach to online sports betting, and there are really no restrictions on the types of sports, leagues, or events players can bet on.
Therefore, the popularity of online sports betting in the country is undeniable. Players can bet on traditional sports, including soccer, basketball, judo, boxing, and cricket, and they can find an even more comprehensive range of markets available at the world's most famous sportsbooks, which have already launched their apps in the Ghana market.
The Gaming Act of 2006 changed the landscape for online sports betting, as before this time, sports betting and gambling were permitted only in land-based sportsbooks and retail casinos. As a result of the 2006 act, which replaced the 1960 Lottery Bettings Act and the 1973 Gambling Machines Act, the government formed the Ghana Gaming Commission to regulate both online and offline betting and casino gambling.
Therefore, since 2006, Ghanaians have been able to legally bet or gamble online with providers with a GCG license and overseas permits.
Sports betting & gambling news and updates from Ghana
June 5, 2024: Shacks Evolution Studios enters the Ghanaian market by partnering with Soccabet. This move gives locals access to various Shacks' games via the Soccebet online platform.
May 3, 2024: Ghanaian online gambling operator PrideBet broadens its iGaming portfolio by partnering with Split the Pot, a Swedish gaming studio.
March 13, 2024: Betway introduces a new and enhanced jackpot product, "Mega Picks Jackpot," to the Ghanaian market, giving local sports betting enthusiasts a chance to reach a whopping GHS 2,000,000 jackpot prize with tickets starting all the way down from GHS 1.
February 9, 2024: Betway Strengthens Ties with Ghana Football Association, expanding its commitment to African soccer with a fresh initiative.
February 9, 2024: If elected president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Ghana's Vice President and New Patriotic Party leader, pledges to abolish taxes on electronic transactions, betting, and emissions, aiming to alleviate financial burdens on citizens.
December 7, 2023: Bangbet, a popular betting platform among Ghanaians, launches its mobile app on Google Play, offering convenience and user-friendly features to sports gambling enthusiasts nationwide.
All legal gambling options in Ghana
| Are online casinos legal in Ghana? | Yes |
| Are retail casinos legal? | Yes |
| Are social casinos legal? | Yes |
| Is online poker legal? | Yes |
| Is the lottery legal? | Yes |
As mentioned, several types of gambling are legal in this country, including a wide variety of casino slots and table games, both of which have been legal since 1973. Other types of gambling available include bingo and lottery, and the former has long been popular in the country, especially since 1960 when a legal lottery was presented to Ghanaians.
However, players must be over 18 to make any sports bet, wager on online casino games, visit a retail casino, or play the lottery. In addition, it's worth noting that the Ghanaian government implemented a new 10% tax measure for lottery, gambling, and sports betting winnings starting August 2023.
Ghana - Some commonly asked questions (FAQ)
What is the current legal status of sports betting in Ghana?
Online gambling, including all forms of sports betting, is fully legal in Ghana, and there are over 30 legal sportsbook sites available for local bettors. However, even the offshore betting operators can be accessed, broadening the field even more.
What impact has legalized sports betting had on Ghana's economy?
According to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), legal sports betting operators have funded the government an estimated GH₵450M just between 2019 and 2023. This figure includes both paid taxes and licensing fees.
How much money do Ghanaians spend on sports betting?
According to estimations, an average Ghanaian spends around GH₵40 ($3.64) monthly on sports bets. The figure may not seem that high, but once multiplied by the population, Ghanaians would spend roughly GH₵244M ($22.17M) in sports betting alone.
Who are the biggest sports stars in Ghana?
Ghana's most famous sports stars, such as Asamoah Gyan, Abedi Pele, Michael Essien, and Tony Yeboah, come from soccer pitches. However, as boxing is widely popular in the country, 3-time World Champion Azumah Nelson is also a household name.
