Ghana GCG mandates biometric verification for all gambling activities
Gambling operators will soon be required to use face or fingerprint recognition in Ghana. The local regulator, the Gaming Commission of Ghana (GCG), has introduced mandatory biometric verification for all gaming activities.
In a letter dated 4 August, the GCG said this was part of a calculated move to protect Ghana’s rapidly evolving gaming industry, particularly from violations like money laundering, underage gambling and any other fraudulent activities.
“This policy will support responsible gaming practices,” acting Gaming Commissioner Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo said in the letter.
“By linking participation to verified biometric identities, operators will be able to track player behaviour, enforce betting limits and implement exclusion frameworks for vulnerable or self-excluded individuals.”
Under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2111, Ghana’s national ID card is now the only form of accepted identity for gaming online. Every licensed operator must integrate their systems directly with the National Identification Agency’s database. Alternative IDs are not accepted.
Operators will be expected to authenticate customers through fingerprint or facial recognition. This authentication is required before any form of wager is made and once again before winnings are withdrawn. Operators have been given 30 days to fully implement the new requirements.
Ghana GCG gives 30-day implementation order
All licensed firms (betting shops, casinos, online platforms) have been asked to submit their integration plans to the NIA within 14 days. Full deployment of the biometrics process is required 30 days from the date of the original letter.
Those who do not comply with the new directives run the risk of suspension or their licence not being renewed.
In the letter to operators, the commission was clear and firm in its move. It acknowledged that while implementation could slow betting operations for a while, the move will help establish that a fair and accountable gaming industry in Ghana is non-negotiable.
“Compliance with this directive is being actively monitored and will form part of each operator’s operational audit,” the letter added.
“We trust that all operators will comply fully with this directive and contribute meaningfully to raising industry standards in line with international best practices and national development imperatives.”