The mobile betting revolution in Ghana
Mobile betting is taking over the Ghanaian sports betting scene, with over 80% of bettors wagering on their mobile devices.
Gone are the days when online sports betting was majorly done in betting houses across Accra, Kumasi and other big cities.
Such centers still exist, but they are not as prevalent as they were a decade ago.
Ghanaian bettors now place their bets from the comfort of their homes on their mobile devices.
The rise in mobile betting in Ghana can be attributed to two major factors- the increase in the ownership of mobile phones in the country and the rapid spread of mobile money.
As at January 2021, there were almost 42 million mobile connections in Ghana. This is about 133% of the Ghanaian population. The number of mobile connections in the country is greater than the population because many people are registered on multiple mobile networks.
As mobile connectivity spreads in Ghana, so has mobile money.
When mobile money first arrived in Ghana in 2009, the reception was relatively lukewarm.
However, over the last few years, it has arguably become the cornerstone of Ghana’s financial sector. About 40% of the Ghanaian population aged 15 and above now have mobile money accounts.
With Ghana regarded as Africa’s fastest-growing mobile money market, that percentage is set to increase over the next few years.
Mobile money has significantly fostered financial inclusion in Ghana, with both the rural and urban populace now able to send and receive money, and pay all kinds of bills without any hassles.
This has played right into the hands of betting companies in Ghana.
Recognizing the opportunities presented by the increasing mobile penetration in Ghana, betting operators have shifted their priorities to mobile betting.
The best betting sites in Ghana now have great mobile betting apps, fitted with great features like live betting and cash out.
These apps are very efficient and functional, making betting very easy for Ghanaian bettors. They are compatible with all mobile devices and operating systems.
More importantly, betting companies have taken advantage of the mobile money revolution to create convenient deposit and withdrawal methods for players in Ghana.
Many of these sites now have the big three mobile money networks on their platforms. Whether you use MTN, Vodafone or Airtel, you will be able to pay into your betting account, and withdraw your winnings without any problems.
These days, you don’t need a bank account or internet connectivity to fund your betting account. All you have to do is to dial a USSD code and follow the promptings. Within a matter of minutes, you will be able to deposit money into your betting site.
Ghanaian bettors are certainly not complaining.
Mobile betting has made life very easy for punters in Ghana. They can now place their bets on their mobile devices at any time of the day and any location they find themselves.
People now place bets in traffic, at grocery stories, bars and many other unusual locations.
For a new betting operator looking to break into the market, one good way of winning over Ghanaian punters is by offering a nice, attractive and efficient betting app!