Accra, Ghana – The Ghana Gaming Commission has enacted a landmark regulation requiring biometric identity verification for every bet placed nationwide. Effective immediately, the rule applies across online platforms, retail sportsbooks, casinos, and promotional games, marking a bold step in Ghana’s mission to modernize its gambling industry and curb illicit activity.
A New Era of Accountability
Under the new directive, all licensed operators must integrate their systems with the National Identification Authority (NIA) database. Bettors will be required to authenticate their identity using fingerprint or facial recognition both when placing wagers and collecting winnings. The Ghana Card, issued by the NIA, will serve as the sole accepted form of identification.
Acting Gaming Commissioner Emmanuel Siki Quainoo emphasized that the initiative aims to:
- Prevent underage gambling
- Combat fraud and criminal exploitation
- Strengthen responsible gaming protocols
Quainoo noted that biometric checks will also introduce natural friction into the betting process, encouraging players to pause and reconsider their habits.
One-Month Deadline for Compliance
Operators have been given just 30 days to implement and test the new biometric systems. The Commission has made it clear: non-compliance will result in license suspension or denial of renewal. There will be no grace period or exceptions.
Transparency, Safety, and Digital Integration
Beyond fraud prevention, the biometric rollout is expected to:
- Enhance financial transparency by linking all gambling activity to verified identities
- Improve AML oversight and reduce untracked cash flows
- Enable regulators to monitor high-risk betting behavior, enforce spending limits, and activate self-exclusion tools
Officials described the regulation as part of Ghana’s broader national digital strategy, which seeks to unify identity-based systems across key sectors.
Tax Reform and Sector Growth
This regulatory shift follows April’s repeal of the controversial 10% tax on gambling and lottery winnings, a move supported by President John Dramani Mahama. The government also eliminated other burdensome levies, signaling a dual approach: tighten oversight while fostering industry growth.
With biometric verification now in place, Ghana positions itself as a regional leader in secure, transparent, and responsible gambling.
