The newly appointed Acting Gaming Commission of Ghana Commissioner, Mr. Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo, recently met with industry operators to discuss ongoing developments and measures for sanitizing the sector.
This engagement, which also involved members of the Ghana Association of Sports Betting Operators (GHASBO) and the Ghana Association of Casino & Route Operators, served as an opportunity for Mr. Quainoo to express his commitment to supporting operators and addressing their concerns.
“The era of preferential treatment for certain operators at the expense of others was over,” Mr. Quainoo stated, emphasizing the importance of creating an equitable environment for all gaming ventures. During the meeting, he acknowledged the crucial step his administration was taking toward improving the gaming landscape in Ghana. “I will not discriminate, I will not put any impediments in your way to grow your businesses, but all I want is a fair playing field for all gaming operators in Ghana,” he added.
A key topic of discussion at the meeting was the contentious issue of betting taxes. Mr. Quainoo assured operators that the current government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, remains committed to abolishing the betting tax on players’ winnings. He remarked, “I am very much aware of the betting tax by the GRA that is split into two parts – the first is the tax on the winnings by punters while the second is the tax on the revenue generated by gaming operators.” He disclosed that discussions with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) are underway to facilitate the tax’s removal, aligning with President Mahama’s pledge.
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On the matter of illegal gaming activities proliferating in several regions, Mr. Quainoo indicated that measures are on the horizon to combat these challenges directly. He stated that these unlawful operations “undermine the viability of legitimate gaming businesses,” highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The Acting Commissioner also instituted an immediate directive to ban unauthorized Gaming Commission staff from interacting with operators—either directly or indirectly. He explained this decision was part of an effort to “curb harassment and unauthorized visitations by some staff to solicit for monies,” actions that he asserted compromise the integrity of the gaming sector.
Furthermore, Mr. Quainoo shared that the Commission has taken proactive steps by sending notices to the National Communications Authority to restrict access to the websites of 11 unauthorized gaming companies and advising Payment Service Providers to perform due diligence concerning gaming clients.
Mr. Quainoo’s vision for the Gaming Commission is clear: a thriving, sustainable industry built on collaboration between the Commission and operators. “I am here to put in my little hat to help the gaming industry to thrive,” he concluded, reiterating his commitment to creating an environment where all legitimate gaming operators can flourish.
The Gaming Commission oversees 26 licensed line-based casinos, 14 online casinos, 27 sports betting operators, and more, the reforms being discussed promise to uphold transparency and fairness, beneficial for all stakeholders involved, especially the people of Ghana.
