Gambling advertising regulation in Ghana: what do we know and where to next?

Abstract

In Ghana and many other sub-Saharan African countries gambling advertising has become pervasive due to weak regulations that allow gambling operators to zealously promote their products as a risk-free way to make money. In this commentary, we provide a public health perspective based on document analysis of the Ghana Gaming Commission's guidelines on advertisements, and recommendations for strengthening Ghana's gambling regulatory environment. With the industry intensifying its focus on new markets to grow and sustain profits, and new global players entering Ghana's market, the competition for market share will most likely intensify with an associated and aggressive increase in gambling advertising. Accordingly, a strengthened gambling advertising regulation underpinned by public health principles is required to restrict advertising across all forms of media and regulate advertising content. The next step for public health action should focus on advocating for new gambling advertising regulations and a review of the Gaming (gambling) Act.