Kaizen Gaming officially introduced its Betano brand in Ghana on February 5, aiming to tap into the growing online gambling sector in West Africa. The Malta-based company has identified potential in the region, driven by increasing digital engagement and a favorable regulatory environment. The firm’s launch includes offering iGaming and sports betting services, positioning itself to leverage Ghana’s rising smartphone usage and strong online payment systems. According to Nana Yaa Ahmed, a partner at ENS Africa’s Ghana office, the country holds significant appeal for investors due to its youth-driven, tech-savvy population and stable political and economic landscape. This provides a conducive environment for gaming operators to market their services effectively.
Despite trailing behind Kenya and Nigeria in gambling activity, Ghana’s market is showing robust engagement. A 2021 Statista survey revealed that over 70% of Ghanaian youths participated in gambling, positioning the nation fourth in Africa. Further research by TGM Global in 2022 found that half of the population is involved in some form of betting, with 42% specifically engaging in sports betting. Men, along with the age groups of 18-24 and 25-34, are the primary participants.
The rise of smartphone usage and mobile financial platforms, such as those provided by MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Tigo Money, has significantly contributed to the market’s expansion. These services facilitate seamless transactions, which has led to 70% of bets being placed via mobile devices, with football being the predominant focus. The English Premier League and other major European football leagues are particularly popular among Ghanaian bettors.
Ghana’s regulatory body, the Gaming Commission of Ghana (GCG), oversees approximately 73 operators, including well-known brands like Betway and 1xBet, offering a variety of gambling activities. The online gambling market in Ghana experienced substantial growth in 2025, with gross wins reaching $903.5 million, representing a 24% increase from the previous year, according to H2 Gambling Capital.
David Yaw Danquah, a legal expert from Legalstone Solicitors in Accra, notes that the country’s regulatory framework supports industry growth. In 2023, an amendment to the Income Tax Act introduced a 20% tax on gross gambling revenue, although a proposed 10% withholding tax on winnings was later abolished following industry pressure, allowing winners to retain their full prizes.
A significant legislative development occurred in December 2025 with the enactment of the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Law, regulating cryptocurrency—a key payment method in the gaming industry. This legislation aims to provide clarity and regulate the emerging crypto market, with the Bank of Ghana empowered to license and oversee digital entities.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Ghana, in alignment with the VASP Act, has established a regulatory sandbox for virtual asset service providers to test their products and services within a controlled environment. This pilot phase, lasting 12 months, will allow compliant services to transition to a full regulatory framework.
Ghana’s economic stability, along with its regulatory structure, has created a favorable investment climate. The nation’s GDP stands at approximately $118 billion, according to the International Monetary Fund, making it one of Africa’s more developed economies. Advertising and sponsorships have normalized gambling within Ghanaian society, further integrating it into the local sports culture.
High youth unemployment and low wages drive many to view gambling as a potential supplementary income source. This economic context has fostered partnerships between gambling operators and local sports teams, enhancing brand visibility and market penetration.
Despite these opportunities, challenges remain in the regulatory landscape. The Gaming Act, originally designed for physical gambling establishments, lacks provisions for online gambling. This gap poses risks of fiscal leakage and regulatory loopholes, prompting calls for amendments to address remote gambling specifically.
Ahmed from ENS Africa highlights the need for updated legislation that includes strict anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) measures. While guidelines exist, these are not explicitly mandated in the current Gaming Act. Amending the Act to incorporate these requirements would enhance compliance and enforcement.
Looking ahead, the Ghanaian market appears poised for continued growth, bolstered by increasing technology use and financial innovation. However, ensuring the regulatory framework evolves to encompass modern gambling practices will be crucial to sustaining this momentum. The next steps involve refining legal structures to provide clear oversight of online gambling, enhancing AML standards, and maintaining a balance between market growth and regulatory compliance.
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