The Ghana Association of Sports Betting Operators (GHASBO) has called on industry regulators and tax authorities to clamp down on unlicensed and unregulated entities that are illegally operating in Ghana’s gaming market.
According to the Secretary General of GHASBO, Dr. Kweku Ainuson, some operators who are not licensed to operate in the Ghanaian market are evading their tax obligations by making their online gaming platforms available in Ghana using VPNs and wagering with cryptocurrencies.
“Today, we know that there are a lot of people betting on unregulated platforms which we call black sites,” Dr. Ainuson said. “They are very sophisticated and some use cryptocurrencies to place bets. Cryptocurrencies are not regulated in Ghana, and they use VPNs to place bets.”
This, he said, was denying the country taxes needed to promote national development.
Betway Regulatory Compliance Workshop
The comments were made at the Betway Regulatory Compliance Workshop organized by leading global online sports betting brand, Betway and GHASBO on Thursday at the Mövenpick Hotel in Accra.
The forum, themed “Economic Impact of the Gaming Industry,” brought together players in the gaming industry, including operators, regulators, service providers, and media, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Interior and the Gaming Commission.
Gaming Industry Growth and Regulation
In his opening remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the Gaming Commission, Peter Mireku, said the gaming industry had over the years witnessed a surge in gaming in the online space, as well as the introduction of new technology and products and services.
He said the growth necessitates the need for effective measures and continuous due diligence to mitigate fraud and legal risks.
“It is important that the industry begins to think about sustainability and how to give back and support the communities in which they operate,” Mireku said.
Ministry of Interior Commends Industry Collaboration
The Chief Director of the Ministry of Interior, Solomon Tetteh Mensah, said the workshop highlights the importance all stakeholders attach to the growth of the industry.
He urged all stakeholders to work together to improve player experience and put in place the right measures to protect all gamers, combat fraud and money laundering, as well as promote responsible gaming.
