Ghana is well ahead of most other African nations in the realm of legal gambling. The West African Republic has a thriving and well-regulated gambling industry. Ghanaians have access to both land-based and online casinos.
Offline casinos in Ghana are located in big luxurious resorts frequented by foreign tourists and wealthy locals. In recent years, regular citizens have access to an exciting new arena of safe betting. Thanks to the rise of internet connectivity and mobile networks all Ghanaians above the age of 18 can play safely at Ghana online casinos.
Under the new gambling laws, several online casinos based in Ghana accept Cedi payments. Many offshore casinos also accept players from Ghana. Some of them even allow you to play using Cedis – the national currency of Ghana. But with a lot of choices comes some risks as well – how to find the safest Ghana online casino?
This is where we enter the picture – here at PlayCasino.co.za, we have created a comprehensive guide to the best online casinos for Ghana players. As a beginner, you will find all the important information you need about online casinos.
Once you read this guide, you will understand how to pick a safe gambling website. We will also make your task easier by providing an updated list of the top online casinos that welcome Ghana players. Let’s get started then!
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How We Rate and Choose Trusted Ghana Casinos
Gambling involves some skill and a lot of luck. But when it comes to picking an online casino, you should never gamble! Do not choose a casino at random or based purely on the bonus offers. Those are often marketing gimmicks aimed at attracting new players in a very competitive business.
Instead, some fundamental features are shared by reliable and safe online casinos. Here at PlayCasino.co.za, we recommend casinos based on the presence of the following features:
Licensed & Regulated by A Gaming Authority
A gaming authority is a government body or agency whose responsibility is to control and regulate the gambling industry in a country or region. Unlike many African nations, Ghana has a formal gaming authority – the Gaming Commission of Ghana.
But the main centres of the online gambling industry are located in places like Malta, London, Stockholm, and Curacao. As a result, most of the online casinos welcoming Ghana players are based in these locations. But there are a few local licensed online casinos in Ghana.
For maximum safety, we always recommend that you pick a casino licensed by the gaming authorities of the UK, Malta, Gibraltar, and other European countries. They have the best regulations to protect players from cheating and other types of fraud.
The next best options would be casinos licensed in other jurisdictions like Curacao and Kahnawake. While they all have rules and regulations, the enforcement part is not on the same level as Europe-based authorities.
As a general rule, a licensed casino is better than an unlicensed one. You have to pay a lot of money to acquire a license and also enforce high standards of service. If a casino makes the effort to comply with licensing rules, it indicates that they are a legitimate business and not a scam site.
Player Safety & Security
This is a very important aspect of online casino gambling. Licensing authorities require that casinos follow strict online safety standards and protocols. Casinos deal with a lot of money, and they require players to provide personal information and ID proof.
This is all sensitive data that could cause a lot of harm if hackers gained access to a casino online server. The best Ghana online casinos are those that protect all data and communications using 128-bit SSL encryption, strict privacy policy, and other security measures.
Player safety also involves protecting them from the harmful addictive effects of gambling. A recommended casino is one that has responsible gambling measures for players. These are easy tools that allow you to restrict the amount of time and money you spend at a casino.
Variety of Games and Quality of Game Software
Online casino gaming involves thousands of games and slots, spread across many categories. They come from over 50 different software providers. These include big names like Netent, Playtech, Games Global and Betsoft, to name a few.
A well-rounded casino is usually one that has games from software providers, big and small. These multi-provider casinos are great for players as they often have hundreds or even thousands of games on a single website.
Game variety is also a key concern. If you prefer video slots, the vast majority of online casinos should have enough slots to keep you busy. But if you prefer other categories like roulette, blackjack, poker, lotto, or live dealer games, you will have to take a closer look at the individual casinos.
Always pick casinos that offer games from well-known, licensed brands. These games are tested and certified for fairness and RNG – meaning they cannot be rigged to favour the casino. You do not get that guarantee when playing games from unknown or unnamed brands.
Frequency and Quality of Bonuses & Promotions
Bonuses are very important for an enjoyable online casino experience. They increase your chances of winning by boosting your available bankroll. Plus, everyone loves gifts! Unlocking or claiming a bonus can in itself be a thrilling experience.
Online casinos offer many different kinds of bonuses and promotional offers. These are aimed at two different categories of players. Welcome bonuses are designed to attract new players to a casino. Regular or recurring bonuses aim to retain existing players by keeping them happy.
In our books, a good casino is one that offers a good mix of welcome offers and recurring bonuses. A loyalty/VIP program that rewards you for playing at the casino is a great feature as well. The quality of the bonuses also matters a lot. Low wagering requirements, transparent terms and conditions, high cashout limits – these are all features of casino bonuses we highlight here at Playcasino.co.za.
Popular and Safe Depositing & Withdrawal Methods
Banking is another core area for online casinos. It all starts with the currency options. Most casinos accept major currencies such as Dollars, Euros, and Pounds. These days, you can quickly convert your local currency to any global currency at online exchanges, for a fee of course.
So, a casino that accepts your local currency is very useful if you want to avoid extra fees. But in the case of Ghanaian Cedis, the options are a little limited. Several online casinos do allow Ghana players to deposit in their national currency, but they are in the minority. We can expect this number to increase as more players in Ghana start using online casinos.
Secure payment methods are essential for a trustworthy online casino. If the casino does not offer a mix of popular payment methods like credit cards, e-wallets, internet banking, and prepaid cards, it is not a good casino, period.
Support for Bitcoin transactions is a bonus. It is a useful option to have if you are concerned about privacy, but not all casino games support cryptocurrencies. Popular casino payments for Ghana players include MTN Mobile Money, credit cards/debit cards from VISA and Mastercard, internet banking, and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller.
Mobile Responsiveness & User Experience
Ghana is one of the leading markets for mobile phones in Africa. Over 55% of the population use mobile phones for communications. Many Ghana players are starting to use mobile casinos to play their favourite slots and games anywhere.
Virtually all online casinos offer some kind of mobile gaming options. Outdated methods include downloadable apps for Android and iOS. But instant online is the perfect option – it is fast, simple, and easy to use.
You can open an instant online casino on a computer and mobile using a browser like Chrome or Firefox. Most casinos have this feature. But there is a difference in quality, which is determined by the website design and optimization.
The best Ghana online casinos on our list are tested extensively for their mobile gaming experience. They should have smooth and fast-loading pages, easy-to-use navigation buttons, large game icons, and a clean, uncluttered interface.
We only recommend casinos that are fully playable on all iPhones and Android brands like Samsung, Tecno, Infinix, Huawei, and Xiaomi. You can access these casinos using WiFi or major 4G networks like Vodafone, MTN Ghana, and Airtel Tigo.
Reliable & Responsive Customer Support
Casinos are places of entertainment – you go there to have a good time. However, there are times when issues can arise in the form of errors, payment failures, delays, and so on. A responsive customer care system is essential for a positive online casino experience.
The casinos on our list all have excellent customer support. This includes round-the-clock availability, fast and friendly response, and multiple channels of communication. Since many Ghana online casinos are based in Europe and other foreign shores, it is not easy to maintain phone lines. But expect email and Live Chat as a minimum requirement at online casinos.
Best Casino Bonuses for Ghana Players
Having many casinos serve a market is good news for customers. When there is competition, casinos are forced to give more attractive bonuses. With so many top Ghana online casinos, players from the Gold Coast can look forward to these exciting bonus offers:
No Deposit Bonuses
Do you want to play real money games for free online? A no deposit offer is exactly what you need. These offers are extremely popular among players. They are 100% free, and no cash deposit is required! But there is a catch – you can only claim it once at a casino.
Online casinos give no deposit cash or free spin bonuses only to newly registered players. But since there are many such offers at casinos, you always have a chance to claim more such offers. And the best part is – if you get lucky with the bets, you get to keep a part of the money (usually around 500 cedis is the limit)
No deposit cash bonuses are small amounts of betting money the casino adds to your account on registration. These are usually limited to $5-$10, under 100 cedis in local currency. Free spins are playable only on specifically mentioned slot games. You receive around 10 -25 spins with a no deposit offer. Some casinos may offer more, going up to 50 free spins.
Free Spins (with Cash Deposit)
The main difference between a no deposit free spin offer and one tied to a deposit is that you get way more free spins when you deposit money. It is not uncommon to see 50, 75, or even 100+ free spins offered by online casinos on specific deposits. But standalone free spin offers are less common.
More often, you will find free spins added to other match deposit bonuses. For example, a 100% match deposit bonus with 50 free spins etc. Casinos usually keep a strict limit on the value of each free spin bet. Expect the limit to be around $5 at most places.
Welcome Bonuses
You get a welcome bonus whenever you join a casino for the first time. The bonus package is tied to your first cash deposit. Sometimes, the package includes bonuses for your first two, three, or four+ deposits at the casino.
Welcome bonuses tend to offer huge amounts of bonus cash compared to regular bonuses. The aim here is to make a huge positive impact on your initial experience at the casino. You will often see promos that offer 200% or 300% bonuses, effectively doubling or tripling your first deposit. The bonus among available can go into thousands of cedis.
Many casinos also offer some free spins with bonus cash. These are usually linked to popular slot games or newly released slots available at the casino. Many casinos offer 100+ free spins as part of their welcome bonus.
Vip Bonuses
Casinos use VIP clubs to keep their top-paying customers happy. These are the players who deposit and often bet at the casino. A VIP club has different levels – new players start at the bottom level. You can climb the levels by collecting points.
The casino awards these points for each cash bet and deposit. The rate at which you gain these points differs with each casino. The points also serve another purpose – you can spend them at the Cashier lobby of the casino to gain real cash. $1 for 100 points is a common rate of exchange.
When you climb to a higher level by collecting the prescribed number of points, you get new gifts and access to exclusive bonus offers. These may include free spins, free cash, bonus cashback, personalized offers, exclusive tournaments, VIP hosts, and other perks.
Regular Match Bonuses
As their name suggests, these bonuses are available to regular players who have completed their welcome offers at the casino. These offers can be claimed multiple times, unlike a welcome bonus or no deposit bonus.
The offers usually include a match deposit bonus or reload. You will find daily deposit bonuses, weekend offers, and others at the casino promo page. The bonus percentages can range from 25% to 200% or more, depending on the size of your deposit.
Cashback
Winning and losing is part of playing at a casino. A cashback offer is a great way to reduce the pain of a big loss. In this type of bonus, the casino will pay you a percentage of your losses as real money in your account.
A common format is 10% weekly cashback. It works something like this – you deposit 500 cedis on a Monday and 300 cedis on Thursday. By the end of the week, you lose the entire amount. The next Monday, the casino will put 80 cedis in your account as cashback.
Online Casino Games Available for Free and Real Money
Slots
Slots are the simplest type of gambling out there. They are found in land-based casinos as slot machines. You put in the money, press the button or lever, and watch the reels spin. If they stop with the same symbols in certain patterns, you win money.
There is no skill involved in these games. This is why online video slots are the most popular type of casino game out there. They also come in all shapes and sizes, with 3 reels, 5 reels, and even 7 reels. They are also fun to play, and available in many different themes like Jungle, Egypt, Dragons, Vampires, Cartoons, Irish, Chinese, and many more.
Due to their overwhelming popularity among players, software providers are always launching new video slots each month. At the most popular Ghana online casinos, slots often make up more than 90% of all available games.
- Starburst
- Book of Dead
- Wolf Gold
- Big Buffalo
- Great Rhino
- Wild Safari
Table Games
You can play many card games at a land casino. These usually involve a dealer at the table. Common games include blackjack, baccarat, three card poker, and roulette. Their digital versions are available at online casinos under the category of table games. These are less popular, mainly because you have to know the rules and strategies to win. But on the plus side, these games have a higher win chance than slots. Top games of this category include:
- American Roulette
- European Blackjack
- Pai Gow Poker
- American Blackjack
- Dragon Tiger
Live Casino Games
Playing a table game at an online casino is not the same as playing it offline. You don’t get a dealer to chat with. There are no real cards used, etc. But with live casino games, these problems are solved using modern video technology.
Companies like Netent and Evolution Gaming hire trained human dealers to run these games. They are shot live in the company studios and delivered to your PC or mobile using video streaming. You can place bets and chat with attractive and charming hosts.
This type of game brings a real casino experience right into your home. They are also called live dealer games. Popular live casino games include:
- VIP Blackjack
- VIP Roulette
- French Roulette
- American Blackjack
- Dreamcatcher
Video Poker
Poker is usually a game best played with 4-5 people. But video poker is perfect when you want a solo gaming experience. With many exciting variants, it can help sharpen your poker skills and even win you a lot of money. Popular video poker games available at Ghana online casinos include:
- Aces and Faces Poker
- Joker Poker
- Jacks or Better
- Deuces Wild
Bingo, Lotto, Scratchcards
Online casinos don’t usually stock many of these games as they are not very popular. But if you want a break from cards and slots, bingo, lotto, keno, and other arcade gambling games are well worth a bet or two. This set also includes sports and racing simulation games. You will find them in lobbies usually called “Other Games”. Some common options in this category include:
- Rainforest Magic Bingo
- Keno
- Candy Prize
- Hot Safari
- Foxin Wins Scratch
Play Your Favourite Casino Games on Mobile & Tablet!
As we already explained, mobile gaming is a huge part of the online casino experience. With a modern smartphone from the last five years, you can easily play the latest casino slots and games at home, out in the streets, on public transport, and so on. You are good to go as long as you have a working 4G or internet connection.
There are many mobile phone makers and models available in Ghana. If you are worried if your mobile can play casino games, check out this list of compatible devices:
Ios
If you own any iPhone or iPad launched since 2015, you can play at your favourite casino on the go. They all work like a charm with instant online casinos. Just use the Safari browser to load the casino and play. Here is a short list of compatible devices – the iPhone 6, 7, SE, 8, and newer models like the iPhone XR, XS, and 11. And if you have an iPad, they too can run online casinos regardless of the generation of the device.
Android
Ghana mobile market has many great Android phone brands like Samsung, Tecno, Huawei, Xiaomi, Nokia, Oppo, and iTel. When looking at phones from these brands, just check if they have recent versions of a full mobile browser like Chrome or Firefox. If they do, you can play casino games, no problem. Like in the case of Apple devices, any device launched after 2015 should be enough.
Beyond Online Casinos: Sports Betting in Ghana
Betting on sports is legal in Ghana. In the past, sports enthusiasts only had offline betting shops for all their sports betting needs. But in the past decade or so, online sportsbooks have grown in popularity in Ghana. As an increasing number of players started using the internet, the popularity of these websites has also increased.
Many Ghana online casinos also come with an attached sportsbook. They are very convenient because you can bet from the comfort of your bedroom or living room. You also get access to live matches from around the world in diverse sports like football, cricket, basketball, hockey, boxing, motorsports, and horse racing.
Check out our guide to online sportsbooks in Ghana to learn more
Why Play and Bet Online in Ghana?
There are several reasons why online betting is preferable in Ghana:
- Accessibility: The land-based casinos in Ghana are mainly for foreign tourists and wealthy Ghanaians. For the common folk, online casinos are more accessible. You can bet very low amounts and still get a chance to win big money.
- Choice of games: You will only find a few hundred slot machines and a handful of gaming tables at offline casinos. They have upwards of a thousand games online at many Ghana online casinos.
- Health safety: In 2021, online casinos are more popular than ever because of the threat of the COVID-19 virus. You can stay safe at home and gamble online – going to a land-based casino or betting shop is a big risk!
- Bonuses: You must be a regular customer and big roller to get bonuses at land casinos. Online casinos have no qualms in giving huge bonuses to new players.
If you want a safe and fun-filled gaming experience, Ghana online casinos are the best option.
Most Popular and Reliable Casino Payment Methods in Ghana
You can use these payment options at the top Ghana online casinos:
- Paysafecard Prepaid Cards
- Neteller e-Wallet
- Skrill e-Wallet
- Paypal Ghana
- Webmoney Ghana
- UKash e-wallet
- Astropay
- Bitcoin
- VISA/Mastercard
- Online Wire Transfer
Gambling Legality in Ghana: What Is the Legal Status of Gambling in Ghana?
Gambling has a long and legal history in the Republic of Ghana. The nation passed several laws in the 1960s and 70s to legalize and regulate many offline gambling activities. These old gambling laws were very strict and archaic.
By the early 2000s, the old laws were found to be outdated and unsuitable for the modern gambling industry. The Ghanaian government considered gambling a promising source of revenue for national development. It had the vision to develop the Ghanaian gambling industry to global standards, with a focus on integrity, transparency, and professionalism.
To this effect, the government unveiled new gambling laws in 2006. The new set of laws updated the regulations to legalize online gambling, sports betting, and lotteries. A system of efficient licensing and taxation was created, with the Gaming Commission of Ghana as the apex body. The commission monitors all gambling businesses and handles player complaints as well.
Land-Based Gambling
Casino resorts are the main form of land-based gambling in Ghana. Casinos in Ghana were formally legalized in the 1970s, with laws like the Gambling Machines Decree of 1973 and the Casino Licensing Decree of 1975.
The new gambling laws passed in 2006 did not substantially alter the casino business in Ghana. It added a new regulating authority, fixed a licensing system for all casinos, and created a stringent tax system for gambling businesses in the country.
Other forms of gambling available in the country include lotteries and sports betting. In general, all forms of gambling are legal in the country. The 2006 law just created a more efficient system to monitor and regulate the gambling business.
Online Gambling
The 2006 law also had a huge impact on online gambling, online sportsbooks, bingo, and poker platforms. All these were legalized, with the Gambling Commission as the regulatory body. Businesses wishing to provide online gambling services have to apply for a license.
There are a handful of online casinos licensed and/or based in Ghana. They accept payments in Cedis. Some of them are local branches of popular UK brands like William Hill and Bet22. But more than these, there are many offshore casinos based in Malta, Gibraltar and others that welcome players from Ghana.
There is no lack of choice in online gambling casinos for Ghanaian players. Further, the presence of a strong regulatory authority and gambling laws ensures that you are adequately protected from scams and fraud as a player.
Ghana Gambling Laws
The following are the main laws related to gambling and betting in Ghana:
- Lotteries and Betting Act, 1960
- Football Pools Authority Act, 1961
- Football Pools Authority Act, 1973
- Casino Licensing Decree, 1975
- The Gambling Act, 2006
- National Lotto Act, 2006
To get a full picture of gambling on the African continent, check out our guide.
Land-Based Casinos in Ghana
Rich in gold, diamonds, minerals and oil, Ghana is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. There are at least 9 casino resorts in this country of 30 million people. Six of them are located in the vibrant capital city of Accra.
Of these, the most prominent is the Victoria Casino Accra, with a whopping 1300 slot machines, video poker, and other gaming machines. Established in 2016, it is, without a doubt the biggest offline gambling attraction in the country.
Apart from Accra, the cities of Tema and Kumasi also host a few casinos. In these Ghana offline casinos, you can play slot machines, poker, and other table games like blackjack, baccarat, and roulette. The following are some of the prominent land-based casinos in Ghana:
- Victoria Casino, Accra
- Golden Dragon Casino Osu, Accra
- Millionaires Club at Golden Tulip Hotel, Accra
- La Palm Casino at Royal Beach Hotel, Accra
- Golden Dragon Casino, Tema
- Millionaires Casino at Golden Tulip Hotel, Kumasi
New to Gambling?
It is incredibly easy to get started in online gambling. But if you are a new player, there are a few things to keep in mind. You will have to take time to understand online casinos' basic rules and important features. It is normal to feel a little overwhelmed about all this.
But we have just the thing to get you off to a safe start here at Playcasino.co.za. With our series of in-depth guides to the basics of online gambling, you will learn the following things:
- How to pick safe and reliable casinos?
- All about casino bonus types
- Important bonus terms and rules
- Best payment methods for Ghana casinos
- Casino game terms like RTP, volatility etc
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What casino games are the most popular in Ghana?
For beginners and experienced players alike, video slots are the preferred option in Ghana. Slots are easy to pick up and play. They are also incredibly relaxing and very exciting when you land some big wins. And if you play progressive jackpot slots, you can even become a millionaire! Another popular choice among Ghana players are live casino games like blackjack and hold’em poker – you get an authentic casino experience from the comfort of your home, playing against a human dealer.
Are online casinos in Ghana safe?
Yes, Ghana online casinos are extremely safe for players. For one, the country has a legal and regulated gambling industry, controlled by the Gambling Commission of Ghana. The commission has enforced strict player protection measures. As long as you play at licensed online casinos in Ghana, you should be fully safe.
Which casino banking methods are popular in Ghana?
Ghana players prefer mobile wallets and online wallets for all casino payments. They are quick, safe, and very convenient. Individuals who are wealthy enough to have a credit card might prefer to use them for online gambling. But with wallets like Skrill and Neteller, you get more privacy at online casinos.
Is it legal to play at an online casino in Ghana?
Yes, all forms of gambling are legal as per the latest Ghanaian laws. This includes online gambling and sports betting in Ghana.
Are there any land-based casinos in Ghana?
Yes, Ghana land-based casinos have been around for decades now. At present, there are at least nine land-based casinos in the country, with most of them concentrated in the capital city of Accra. One or two casinos are also located in smaller cities like Tema and Kumasi.
Can I bet on sports in Ghana?
Indeed, you have many betting options at offline bookies and online sportsbooks in Ghana. If you want the widest possible choice, online sportsbooks are what you need. You can bet on any live sporting event from around the world, including major football leagues in Europe, the American sports leagues, racing, horses, World Cups, and much more.
What online casino games pay real money?
All games available at online casinos are real money games. If you bet money and win, they will pay you, guaranteed. If you are short on cash or don’t want to spend you can still make the most of the fun play or demo play mode. Most casinos offer this option to players on slots and table games. You can play for free, using virtual money. But the obvious downside is that these games don’t pay out real money if you win!
Can you play slots online in Ghana?
Yes, of course, Ghana online casinos are filled with popular online slots from brands like Netent, Games Global, Quickspin, Red Tiger, Betsoft, and Playtech. You have thousands of options at your disposal in slots. Pick any casino from our recommended list of popular Ghana online casinos to start playing!
Kelvin Jones is a seasoned professional in South Africa's online casino scene, boasting over a decade of expertise. He's your ultimate guide in selecting the finest online casinos, providing insights into local sites that offer both excitement and security. Kelvin's comprehensive reviews and strategies stem from a deep understanding of the industry's dynamics, ensuring players have access to top-notch gaming experiences.
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