Lamtiing Apanga on Ghana’s Regulatory Approach to a Changing iGaming Market
Ghana’s iGaming sector is expanding rapidly, fueled by mobile access and a youthful, tech-savvy population. In response, the Gaming Commission of Ghana has introduced key regulatory reforms to enhance oversight and attract investment. In an interview with iGaming AFRIKA Lamtiing Apanga, Managing Partner at Prestige Partners and Acting Deputy Commissioner for Operations at the Gaming Commission of Ghana, discussed the evolving regulatory landscape and the reforms shaping the future of iGaming in the country.
One of the most notable reforms in Ghana’s gaming sector is the recent abolition of the 10% betting tax, a move driven by widespread public outcry, particularly among the youth. They felt the levy was a barrier to one of their primary forms of entertainment. “There was a survey conducted across the country, and one of the key concerns from the youth was the burden of the betting tax, ” Apanga explained. “They felt it limited their access to a form of entertainment, particularly in a context where other areas of life are already frustrating.” In response to this sentiment, the ruling party made the repeal a central campaign promise, and true to their word, fulfilled it upon election.
With the tax barrier removed, Ghana is now seeing increased participation in gaming activities, a trend Lamtiing says is encouraging both for local operators and foreign investors eyeing the Ghanaian market. “Every investor looks at market volume. When you remove barriers to consumption, you grow the base, and that becomes attractive to businesses,” he said, highlighting the immediate uptick in participation and investor confidence since the policy change.
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While Ghana slashes taxes to boost participation, other countries like Rwanda are moving in the opposite direction, with Rwanda recently increasing its Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) tax from 13% to 40%. Lamtiing, however, discouraged direct comparisons, stressing the importance of context in policy decisions. “You cannot just compare countries on the face of it. Every country has its own market dynamics and goals. Rwanda may be aiming to mobilize more revenue or perhaps curb excessive gaming. What works for Ghana may not necessarily work for Rwanda,” he noted.
May is globally recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, and in Ghana, the Gaming Commission launched a nationwide campaign to promote responsible gaming and address the risks of gambling addiction. As part of the initiative, the Commission partnered with the Mental Health Authority to host webinars and organized outreach activities on university campuses, recognizing students as a high-risk demographic. “We recognize that the most vulnerable population is the youth, especially those in tertiary institutions. We went to campuses, brought in mental health experts and even members of parliament to discuss the dangers of gaming addiction,” said Lamtiing. The effort aimed to create greater public awareness around the psychological impacts of excessive gambling and to build a more informed, responsible, and sustainable gaming environment.
With most betting activities shifting to digital platforms, Ghana has strengthened its regulatory framework by enforcing strict online registration protocols. To open an online betting account, users must provide the country’s national ID, that includes date of birth and biometric data. This ensures that individuals under 18 are automatically barred from participating. However, despite these safeguards, Lamtiing expressed concern over a growing trend where “some parents refer to their children as ‘lucky kids’ and let them play on betting apps. But this is dangerous. Even if the child wins, they can’t claim the reward because they lack valid ID,” he stressed.
In addition to digital measures, the Gaming Commission has also intensified its on-the-ground enforcement, closing down betting shops located near schools, churches, and hospitals to protect vulnerable populations and uphold its mandate for responsible gaming.
