Are you wondering whether betting on sports is banned or legal in Ghana? You’ve come to the right place. Learn more about sports betting in Ghana below.
Is Sports Betting Legal?
Gambling is legal in Ghana, but it is regulated by local and federal laws, which state, “No person shall conduct any lottery scheme without license” (AG Licensing Act, 1962). The law prohibits anyone under 18 years old from entering or remaining in a casino.
The Ghanaian government oversees and regulates sports betting through the gaming commission of Ghana. The gaming commission keeps an eye on all companies offering these services to ensure that they act ethically and follow all applicable laws.
Companies operating within Ghana must obtain a license from the government before they can offer their services to locals or international customers. The government also collects taxes on this activity, which go into its general budget funds and go towards funding important causes such as healthcare and education programs for citizens in need of assistance.
Read Also: Identifying and Dealing with Gambling Addiction
History of Sports Betting in Ghana
The history of sports betting in Ghana dates back to 1960 with the enactment of the Lotteries of Betting Act of 1960. This law permitted people the government had licensed to run lotteries and bet on horse races.
However, the law only gave out these licenses to certain groups of people and those who wanted to operate casinos needed to get approval from their local district authorities.
Lawmakers passed two more legislative laws; the Gambling Machines Act of 1973 and the Casio Licensing Act of 1975. Both laws were intended to regulate gambling in Ghana and ensure it was safe for all participants involved.
In 2006, the Gaming Act was passed to legalize online sports betting in Ghana. This law allowed individuals or companies who met certain requirements set by the government to provide online gaming services anywhere in Ghana without fear of prosecution.
It also established the Ghana Gaming Commission, which regulates all aspects of online gaming, including licensing procedures, security measures taken by operators and, more importantly, customer protection measures.
Are There Any Rules Regarding Sports Betting?
Some rules determine whether or not sports betting is legal in Ghana. For example, you must be at least 18 years old to place a bet on any sport or event taking place within Ghana’s borders. The maximum amount you can bet on any single event is GHS 1,000 (approximately USD 0.31). You must also have an identification card issued by your government before placing any bets online or offline.
Additionally, if you live outside of Ghana but want to bet on events within its borders (such as World Cup matches), then you must be at least 18 years old and have an identification card issued by someone who lives in Ghana (such as your spouse).
What About Laws on Taxes Before and After Winnings?
The Ghana Revenue Authority is responsible for collecting taxes on sports betting winnings, and they have a dedicated website with information on how to pay them.
According to the GRA, there are three different types of taxes that apply to gambling:
- The first tax is a 12.5% value-added tax (VAT). This applies to any transactions involving goods or services. Also, they must be paid by anyone who wins more than GHS500 (approximately USD$63). If you win less than that amount, then you don’t need to pay VAT on your winnings.
- The second tax is called an excise duty. This applies when you win more than GHS3,000 (approximately USD$415), which is 1% of your total winnings. It’s payable within 30 days after you’ve won your bet.
- Finally, an income tax applies when you win more than GHS3,000 (approximately USD$415). It’s 20% of your total earnings after winning a bet.
What Not to Do When Betting in Ghana?
Sports betting is legal in Ghana, but there are some things you can’t do when you bet on sports.
First, there’s a limit to how much you can bet. If you’re betting on football (soccer), the maximum amount is 5,000 cedis. The maximum amount of betting on any other sport is 1,000 cedis.
Second, sports betting isn’t allowed in public places like bars and restaurants. You must do it at home or in an office where no minors are present.
Third, only Ghanaian citizens are allowed to place bets and winnings won by foreigners will be seized by authorities unless they have a valid visa or residence permit.
List of Approved Betting Sites in Ghana
There are many ways to place a bet on your favorite teams. However, some of the best betting sites in Ghana are not approved by the government. Here’s a list of some of the approved sports betting sites in Ghana:
- 1XBet
1XBet is an online casino with a wide range of games, including poker and bingo. The site also offers players sports betting options such as football, tennis, basketball and more. You can make deposits using credit cards and cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. This casino site also charges no hidden fees.
Read Also: How to Use 1XBet Bonus Account
- 22Bet
22Bet is one of the most well-known online bookmakers in Africa. They have been around since 1999 and have over 20 years of experience. Their site is easy to navigate, with all their promotions on the front page.
- BetWay
BetWay is one of the most popular sites for betting in Ghana. They have a wide range of sports and leagues covered and offer both pre-game and in-play betting options. They provide free bets to new players and various promotions throughout the season with live betting available. Check out here: Making Money With Live Sports Betting to learn more about live betting.
- MelBet
This site is known for being one of the top-rated options for sports betting in Ghana. It offers an easy-to-use interface, quick funding and payout processes, and a wide variety of games.
- PremierBet
Another great option for those looking for a high-quality sportsbook experience in Ghana is PremierBet. The site offers a wide range of betting options and excellent customer service and support teams available 24/7 via telephone, email or live chat.
