The Gaming Commission of Ghana has issued a new regulatory directive mandating the immediate implementation of biometric identity verification for all individuals participating in any form of gaming within the country.
The policy, which covers sports betting, online and retail betting, casino operations, and promotional gaming schemes, requires all licensed gaming operators to integrate their identity verification systems with the National Identification Authority (NIA) database.
According to the directive, biometric authentication using either fingerprint or facial recognition must be conducted at two key points: when placing a bet and when claiming winnings.
The Ghana Card will be the only legally recognized identity for this process, in line with Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2111, which designates it as the sole biometric verification tool for all identity authentication in Ghana.
The Commission says the measure is intended to eliminate underage and fraudulent gaming, strengthen national security, combat money laundering, and enhance accountability in the gaming sector.
It will also support responsible gaming practices by enabling operators to monitor player behavior, enforce betting limits, and manage exclusion frameworks for vulnerable individuals.
Licensed operators have been directed to immediately begin onboarding with the NIA and submit integration plans within 14 days of the directive.
The Commission expects biometric access system testing and deployment to be completed within 30 days. Failure to comply could lead to suspension of operational licenses or non-renewal in the next licensing cycle.
The Commission has assured operators of technical support and urged full cooperation to meet both national and international industry standards.
