Sports Betting In Ghana

Sports-betting is gaining popularity in Africa, with companies like Betway gaining a strong foothold in various countries. Casinos and lottery are the most popular types of gambling platforms available in Ghana, with new online sites emerging daily. However, besides the casino and lottery gambling sports betting has taken the country by storm, the industry is booming in the African region.

The growth of sports betting in Ghana has seen more than five betting companies, including Betway, Premier betting, and Safaribet set up shop in the past few years. You can visit either of these shops, place a bet right then or use their mobile app to bet online – which is more convenient.  As a result, the government regulated the process that resulted in the creation of the Gaming Commission. With laws for sports betting in place, Ghanaians can freely enjoy the thrills of NBA, NFL, European Football and other games.

Mobile phone usage- specifically the internet – is growing in the country. Mobile subscription rate is above 100% and increasing as more people are using Smartphone – especially cheaper versions imported from China. In February this year, Recognition Limited flagged a unique mobile betting product called ‘Dreambet’ to tap into the widespread internet use among customers. The product allows you to place a bet via a text messaging shortcode with much higher payouts and winnings. Another innovation of the same company is innovative pool betting to provide a broad channel of ways to bet and win on football.

Additionally, these betting companies are opening new jobs, and with the unemployment level in Ghana being high, the government partly relies on these betting operators to help.  Thanks to the creation of employment by the betting companies as they support Ghana’s economy – which makes them more welcome in Ghana. As more punters join the fold, the situation has slowly improved, although it years to improve Ghana’s economic situation.

However, sports betting in Ghana have opened the door for gambling problems. For example, it has led to a decrease in popularity of local Ghanaian football. Fans are more excited by the European leagues, although many betting operators are hoping to fix this soon. Operators like mybet.com – a new operator that has been online for more than a year – has been promoting Ghanaian football league and even included them in their offer instead of the big European clubs.

The bold move is set to popularise African football and hopefully attract big sponsors and even new jobs. This way, the sports betting industry is looking to help Ghana and make it clear that the advantages of betting are outweighing the limitations. According to Mr Kwaku Adjei, CEO of mybet.com, they have bookmakers across the world inquiring about the local leagues, thinking if they are taking bets on local leagues, there is credibility to the local league.

The benefits of sports betting in Africa outweigh the disadvantages, and it presents investments that governments have been seeking for in Africa. But this is not with critics as some people believe quick money from betting just like the lottery is addictive and will make many youths lazy and not seek productive means of getting employment.