The UK has long been in the gambling business and as the country’s economy, livelihood, and technology have grown, the betting industry has grown with it. Now, gambling has even taken off online and while the online casino sector in the UK flourishes, generating billions and boasting millions of active players, Ghana presents a contrasting picture. Though both nations share a taste for gambling, their approaches to online casinos differ significantly.
UK’s Flourishing Online Casinos
The UK’s growing gambling industry did not boom overnight. Before the year 1960, gambling was as illegal. In those years, men and women who enjoyed making the odd bet found ways to get their fix underground where the long arm of the law couldn’t reach. The Gaming Act of 1960 was the boost the industry, and the gamblers, needed for growth. As soon as the bill was passed, betting shops began to take over the space, and to date, the gambling industry remains one of the highest-grossing industries in the country. Because of these developments, the UK is home to some of the best gambling apps and the best gaming sites in the present day, allowing reputable, legal ways for bettors to wager online.
Market Size
From April 2020 to September 2020 the UK online gambling industry, including casinos, had a gross gambling yield of approximately £3.1 billion. The industry saw many people joining the online gambling world in 2020 and the numbers have remained resilient since then. The UK’s gambling industry raked in a staggering £6.4 billion in 2022, with over 32 million active accounts on the web. More than 50,000 people work in the industry in the UK, too.
The industry has grown so much that online casinos contribute significantly to the UK economy, with approximately £10 billion each year. The convenience of mobile platforms and a wide range of gaming options attract players from all over the country and even, the world.
Regulation
The UK Gambling Commission has been strictly regulating the industry since 2007. Since that time, they have been ensuring player protection and cultivating responsible gambling practices. The Gambling Act 2005
Ghana’s Cautious Approach
Ghana’s online gambling industry may not yet match the UK, but in the last decade, the sector has grown exponentially. With an increase in internet access and changed preferences in entertainment, the sector is growing more than ever. Mobile money services facilitate easy deposits and withdrawals, making sports betting and casino games accessible to a wider audience. The numbers in Ghana aren’t fully known, but it is estimated that Ghana’s online gambling market is expected to reach a revenue of US$57.42 million by year’s end. While these are great, they don’t quite match up to the UK’s. Here’s why:
Limited Online Presence
Currently, online casinos are not explicitly legal in Ghana. While land-based casinos operate under license, the online space remains largely unregulated. The Gaming Commission of Ghana has control over all the land-based gambling but the online market remains untapped.
Focus on National Lottery
The Ghanaian government heavily promotes the national lottery as a form of controlled gambling, aiming to channel potential gambling activities into a regulated environment. Of course, the online sector has begun to grow but the eye of the government and the gaming association is turned towards the lottery.
Why So Different?
The UK’s online gambling market has been established for decades, allowing for regulation and infrastructure development. Ghana’s market is in its early stages and regulatory frameworks are still under discussion. The public’s perception of gambling is also a big contributing factor. While the UK has a more established gambling culture, Ghanaians are more cautious, prioritizing responsible gambling practices over profit.