Ghanaian gaming operators call for crackdown on unlicensed platforms using VPNs and cryptocurrencies

The Ghana Association of Sports Betting Operators (GHASBO) has made an appeal to industry regulators and tax authorities to take decisive action against unlicensed and unregulated betting platforms operating within the country. Illicit operators are reportedly using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and cryptocurrencies to evade tax obligations, says the GHASBO, depriving Ghana of revenue needed for development.

Speaking at the Betway Regulatory Compliance Workshop held on Thursday at the Mövenpick Hotel in Accra, GHASBO's Secretary General, Dr. Kweku Ainuson, highlighted the sophisticated methods employed by unauthorized entities to infiltrate the Ghanaian gaming market. 

"Today, we know that there are a lot of people betting on unregulated platforms which we call black sites," Dr. Ainuson said. "They are very sophisticated and some use cryptocurrencies to place bets. Cryptocurrencies are not regulated in Ghana, and they use VPNs to place bets."

The forum, themed Economic Impact of the Gaming Industry, was organized by Betway in collaboration with GHASBO. It gathered key stakeholders, including operators, regulators, service providers, and media, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Interior and the Gaming Commission.

Peter Mireku, Chief Executive Officer of the Gaming Commission, addressed the forum, noting the rapid growth of online gaming and the introduction of new technologies and services. He highlighted the need for stringent measures and ongoing diligence to combat fraud and legal risks within the industry.

"It is important that the industry begins to think about sustainability and how to give back and support the communities in which they operate," Mireku stated. "I say it is time to project and promote the positives that this industry has made to the economy."

Mireku also praised GHASBO and Betway for their collaborative efforts in organizing the workshop and their ongoing partnership with the Gaming Commission in areas of compliance, taxation, and information sharing.

Chief Director of the Ministry of Interior, Solomon Tetteh Mensah, highlighted the workshop's significance in demonstrating stakeholder commitment to the industry's growth. He lauded GHASBO's support for those affected by the Volta Dam spillage and urged stakeholders to enhance player experiences, combat fraud and money laundering, and promote responsible gaming practices.

Mensah said that the Ministry aims to collaborate with all stakeholders to improve the business environment for gaming in Ghana and to uphold responsible gaming practices nationwide. He also called on operators to adopt technologies that protect the digital gaming environment, players, and data privacy.