Ghana Imposes Mandatory Biometric Verification for All Gaming Transactions

The Gaming Commission of Ghana has rolled out sweeping new controls over the nation’s betting and gambling industry, making biometric verification compulsory for all gaming transactions. Effective immediately, every licensed operator must authenticate participants using either fingerprint or facial recognition before allowing bets to be placed or winnings to be withdrawn.

The directive, introduced under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2111, stipulates that the Ghana Card — issued by the National Identification Authority (NIA) — is now the only valid form of identification for any gambling-related activity. Operators are required to integrate their systems directly with the NIA database, with no allowances for manual verification or alternative electronic identification.

According to the Commission, the policy is designed to stamp out underage gambling, combat fraud and money laundering, promote responsible gaming, and align the sector with Ghana’s broader digital security objectives. Licensed gaming companies have been given 14 days to submit their integration plans to the NIA and 30 days to complete the full deployment of biometric systems. Non-compliant operators risk suspension or non-renewal of their licences.

Acting Gaming Commissioner Emmanuel Siki Quainoo emphasized the necessity of the move, saying, “This policy safeguards the gaming industry from criminal exploitation while ensuring responsible participation. We expect full cooperation from all operators.”

The mandate applies to betting shops, casinos, and online gaming platforms alike, with customers now required to undergo biometric checks for every transaction. While the process may introduce delays in betting operations, the Commission maintains that the benefits in security, abuse prevention, and accountability outweigh the inconvenience.

By enforcing this biometric requirement, Ghana joins a growing list of African nations — including South Africa and Kenya — that have implemented stringent identity verification measures in the gambling sector.

By fLEXI tEAM