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Mr. Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo, Acting Games Commissioner of the Gaming Commission of Ghana, has affirmed his commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all operators within the sector.
He said that the era of preferential treatment for certain operators at the expense of others was over. Interacting with gaming operators over the weekend, Mr. Quainoo assured stakeholders that the Commission was focused on creating an environment where all gaming operators can thrive and grow their businesses equitably. “I will not discriminate, I will not put any impediments in your way to grow your businesses, but all I want is a fair playing field for all gaming operators in Ghana. “I am here to put in my little hat to help the gaming industry to thrive,” he said.
Mr. Quainoo was appointed by President John Dramani Mahama on January 22, 2025, as the acting Commissioner of the Gaming Commission. The meeting was to brainstorm about the gaming industry and solicit their support. Mr. Quainoo highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Commission and gaming operators during the meeting.
He expressed his commitment to working together with operators to find common ground that would benefit the entire sector. In outlining his plans for the industry, Mr. Quainoo identified the removal of the betting tax as a key priority. He explained that the initiative aligned with President John Mahama’s pledge to abolish the tax, which was introduced by the previous administration in 2023, within the first 120 days of his tenure.
Mr. Quainoo disclosed that discussions with key institutions, including the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), are already underway to facilitate the removal of the betting tax. “I am very much aware of the betting tax by the GRA that is split into two parts – the first is the tax on the winnings by panthers while the second is the tax on the revenue generated by gaming operators.
“With His Excellency President Mahama’s promise to cancel the tax on the winnings by panthers within his first 120 days in office, I have not rested since I assumed office on Monday. “Within the past four days, I have done a lot of hands-on engagement. I have held three meetings with the Gaming Commission’s Technical Committee working on the Commission’s gums which will be geared towards our operational activities.
“I have also held informal discussions with top officials of the GRA,” he said. Mr. Quainoo has pledged to intensify efforts to curb illegal gaming operations in the country. He stressed that tackling unlicensed gaming activities was critical to ensuring that legitimate operators received the full benefits and entitlements they deserved.
Mr. Quainoo cautioned the operators against engaging with unauthorized staff of the Commission, either directly or indirectly. He explained that this directive was aimed at “cutting off constant harassment” that some operators had faced from individuals posing as Commission staff, assuring that such actions would not be tolerated.
Mr. Quainoo urged licensed operators to report any encounters with unauthorized Commission staff, stressing that such individuals would face appropriate disciplinary action. He revealed that he had requested the National Communications Authority (NCA) to restrict access to the websites of 11 unauthorized companies operating games of chance, in a move aimed at curbing illegal gambling activities in the country.
Currently, the Gaming Commission oversees a total of 26 licensed line-based casinos, 14 online casinos, 27 sports betting operators, four route operators, seven remote interactive games, and two scratch card businesses. The Commission plays a critical role in regulating and monitoring the gaming industry, including casinos, sports betting, and lotteries, to ensure a fair and transparent environment for all operators.
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Source: GNA
