The Gaming Commission of Ghana has mandated that all licensed gambling operators integrate their systems with the National Identification Authority’s (NIA) biometric verification platform, in a move aimed at preventing underage gambling, curbing fraud, and strengthening regulatory oversight. The directive was announced on August 11, 2025, and applies to both online and retail operations.
Strict Deadlines for Integration
According to the Commission, operators must submit integration plans within fourteen (14) days and complete biometric system testing and deployment within thirty (30) days. The requirements apply to sports betting, casino gaming, online gambling, promotional games, and all related transactions, including both wagers and payouts.
“To this end, all licensed operators are directed to immediately begin onboarding with the NIA. The Commission expects confirmation of integration plans within fourteen (14) days from the date of this communication, and completion of biometric access system testing and deployment within thirty (30) days,” the Gaming Commission stated. “Failure to comply will attract regulatory sanctions, including the suspension of operational licenses and the risk of non-renewal during the next licensing cycle. Compliance with this directive is being actively monitored, and the outcomes will form part of each operator’s operational audit.”
Use of Ghana Card and Biometric Authentication
The directive requires operators to authenticate customers using the Ghana Card, the national ID issued by the NIA, as the sole accepted credential under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2111. Biometric checks using fingerprint or facial recognition must occur at two points: before a customer places a bet and before any payout or withdrawal of winnings. No alternative identification documents or manual verification processes are permitted.
The Commission framed the mandate as part of Ghana’s wider digital identity policy to improve accountability and responsible gaming. By linking participation and payouts to verified identities, the framework is intended to reduce impersonation and underage access, strengthen financial integrity in the sector, and support exclusion measures for vulnerable or self-excluded individuals.
Source: OnuaOnline, News Ghana, Focus Gaming News
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By the ID Tech Editorial Team
