The Ghana Association of Sports Betting Operators (GHASBO) has urged industry regulators and tax authorities to clamp down on unlicensed and unregulated entities operating illegally in the Ghanaian gaming market.
According to the General Secretary of GHASBO, Dr. Kweku Ainuson, some operators who are not licensed to operate in the Ghanaian market are avoiding their tax obligations by making their online gaming platforms available in Ghana using VPNs and betting with cryptocurrencies.
This, he said, denies the country taxes needed to promote national development.
“Today, we know that there are many people betting on unregulated platforms that we call black sites,” said Dr. Ainuson.
“They are very sophisticated and some use cryptocurrencies to bet. Cryptocurrencies are not regulated in Ghana and use VPN to place bets.”
He made this known at the Betway Compliance Workshop organized by leading global sports betting brand Betway and GHASBO on Thursday at the Mövenpick Hotel in Accra.
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The forum, organized by Betway in association with GHASBO, was themed: Economic Impact of the Gaming Industry.
It brings together players in the gaming industry, including operators, regulators, service providers and the media, as well as representatives from the Home Office and the Gambling Commission.
In his opening remarks, Gaming Commission CEO Peter Mireku said the gaming industry has over the years seen an upsurge in online gaming, as well as the introduction of new technology and products and services.
He said the development calls for the need for effective measures and ongoing due diligence to mitigate fraud and legal risks.
“It’s important that the industry starts thinking about sustainability and how to give back and support the communities in which they operate.”
“I say it’s time to showcase and promote the positives this industry has done to the economy.”
He also commended the leadership and members of GHASBO and Betway for organizing the workshop as well as their continued cooperation with the Gaming Commission in the area of compliance, taxation and information sharing.
On his part, the Director General of the Ministry of Interior, Samuel Tetteh Mensah, said the workshop underscores the importance that all stakeholders attach to the development of the sector.
He also commended GHASBO for the support it provided to people affected by the Volta Dam spill.
He urged all stakeholders to work together to improve player experience and take appropriate measures to protect all players, fight fraud and money laundering, and promote responsible gaming.
He said the Ministry’s aim was to work with all stakeholders to improve the gaming business environment in Ghana and support responsible gaming practices across the country.
Mr Mensah challenged operators to adopt technologies that will protect the digital gaming environment, players and data privacy