Ghana’s Casinos Bet Big on Tourism with a Cultural Twist

Ghana has found itself in the global spotlight with the impressive growth of its tourism sector, partly due to an unexpected contributor. As with most large tourist-attracting cities, Accra, Kumasi, and Tema pride themselves on being entertainment destinations. However, there has been a shift away from traditional entertainment and casino venues, with many operators adding a cultural flair to their service offerings. This is an ode to their evolving identity alongside the growth in tourists who want to experience Ghanaian culture and attractions. 

The Cultural Renaissance of Ghanaian Casinos

Beyond cultural innovation, the Ghanaian casino and entertainment sphere has expanded into other avenues to bring in those impressive numbers and attract more demographics. The Ghana iGaming sector has seen 19.6 million active players for 2025 thus far, with an expected 6.7% penetration rate by year-end. Additionally, ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) for online gambling in Ghana is expected to reach $389.41 in 2025, with contributors being sports betting and casino games. 

The format of casino gaming is similar to international platforms, allowing players to use fiat currencies or select options where no real money is exchanged, such as NewSweepCasinos, for example. These platforms offer larger gaming libraries and promotional events to keep players engaged. Sweepstakes casinos are a popular option for punters and gambling operators alike, as they are a great way to bypass laws surrounding traditional gaming options. 

Players can use in-game currencies as opposed to actual money, making it that much easier (and, to an extent, safer) for punters. On the front of embracing culture to attract new demographics, Ghanaians have turned their casinos into more than gaming venues, opting for full-blown entertainment hubs instead. The immersion brought about by vibrant live Afrobeat performances is unmatched, featuring trending local music and artists.

Even more, offering local, authentic Ghanaian dishes in casino restaurants and hotels is a great way to further immerse tourists. This includes cuisines ranging from Jollof Rice to Banku and Tilapia, and Waakye, making for a rather unique leisure experience. There’s also an emphasis on local Ghanaian art displayed in (or adjacent to) land-based casinos. Tourists are privy to local talent in the form of sculptures, textiles, or even craft markets, where they can purchase certain pieces to support said artists. Integrating Ghanaian culture into the popular tourist sector has skyrocketed revenue performance, proving that standard experiences are not always preferred. 

Economic Impact and Strategic Investments

In combination with the Ghanaian online gambling revenue, this upward hike in the tourist sector positively impacts residents. A good example of this would be the whopping 1.3 million international visitors Ghana received for 2024, pulling in GH₵72 billion ( $4.8 billion) in tourism revenue. Although the casino sector is not the sole contributor, it did play a significant role in attracting a wider demographic of tourists. When taking a closer look at the gambling sector, Ghana’s robust legal framework surrounding casinos and betting is another reason why the business is booming.

In total, there are 24 land-based casinos in Ghana, with many of them located in tourist hotspots and large cities with high volumes of casual gamers. Additionally, 12 licensed iGaming platforms are run by reputable operators, offering punters online and convenient alternatives to physical casinos. Lastly, in the sphere of sports betting, there are 25 registered and licensed bookmakers, making it one of Ghana’s largest gambling-based activities. Overall, these regulated businesses and platforms give investors the much-needed confidence to help operators grow.

Projections for 2029 estimate a revenue growth spurt from GH₵16 billion to GH₵20 billion annually, funds that will bring broader economic benefits. Not only can the Ghanaian government strengthen internal infrastructures, but it can also reallocate funds for national development. Public services can be improved by investing revenue into bettering the education system, offering housing, and driving job creation and skills development. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been a long-standing goal for the Department of Tourism in this sector, holding out hope to diversify the economy. 

Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Growth

While these positive factors outweigh the negatives, Ghanaians could encounter some potential hurdles when going down this route. Player protection will need to be a top priority for the Gaming Commission of Ghana, especially with many foreign punters engaging in gambling activities. Another point would be upholding the authenticity and quality of the true Ghanaian experience promised to tourists. 

Will the government make an effort to strengthen relationships with local artists, chefs, and other performers? How will the government drive further growth and engagement to ensure the novelty of this experience does not wear off? Themed events tied to Ghanaian festivals, partnerships with local tour operators for cultural packages, and showcasing Ghanaian culture globally on digital platforms may be good options. 

Conclusion: Ghana’s Winning Formula 

Ultimately, it is not hard to hold an optimistic vision for Ghana’s future, especially in the casino and entertainment landscape. Already, Ghanaians have innovated their approach to tourism in a way that could see them rise up as a global tourism leader. The impressive ending revenue is but the start of an exciting and unique period for a country rich in culture.