The Ghana Gaming Commission has introduced a significant change to the gambling industry by mandating biometric identification for every bet placed within the country. This new rule applies to all forms of gambling including online and physical sportsbooks, casinos and promotional games. Alongside recent tax reforms, this measure represents a strong move toward modernising and securing the gambling landscape in Ghana.

Gambling operators are now required to integrate their platforms with the National Identification Authority’s (NIA) database. Every player must verify their identity using fingerprint or facial recognition technology both at the point of placing bets and when claiming winnings. The only acceptable form of identification will be the Ghana Card, issued by the NIA.

According to Emmanuel Siki Quainoo, the acting commissioner of the Gaming Commission, this initiative aims to protect the industry from criminal misuse and enforce stricter responsible gambling measures. It is designed to slow down betting activities, allowing players to make more thoughtful decisions regarding their gambling behaviour.

Operators have a strict timeline of just one month to fully implement and test these biometric verification systems. Non-compliance could result in suspension of licenses or refusal of renewals, as the Commission has pledged to enforce these regulations rigorously without exceptions.

The primary goals behind these updated regulations are to prevent fraud and stop underage gambling. Additionally, these measures aim to increase transparency in the gambling industry, which has been scrutinised over possible money laundering and unmonitored cash flows. By associating all gambling transactions with verified biometric data, authorities can more effectively monitor and identify irregular activities.

The mandatory biometric checks also enhance responsible gambling protections. Regulatory bodies can monitor dangerous betting behaviors, impose limits on spending, and provide exclusion options for self-excluded players. This policy is part of a larger national digital initiative that uses identity-based verification across multiple regulated sectors.

Leading distributor for emerging markets announces the fulfilment of its new dedicated role for East Africa, based in Kenya

QTech Games, the leading game aggregator for all emerging markets, has recruited Agatha Wanjugu for the new role of Sales Manager for East Africa, as it continues its concerted push into the African market.

Based in Kenya, Agatha joins QTech Games after successful stints at iGaming Afrika, where she served with distinction as Business Development Manager – and, more recently, Pragmatic Play where she spent several years as Account Manager for Africa. In this previous position, she routinely proved herself in both account management and business development capacities, building and maintaining enduring client relationships, collaborating with sales forces and technical departments to optimise the overall customer experience.

This experience has seen Agatha establish a reputation as a natural leader with a communicative and consultative approach. Her igaming insights and recommendations for the region have helped deliver on revenue targets and inform strategic guidance, advancing the sales cycle and populating its pipeline with new leads.

Now Agatha brings those transferable skills to bear at the sector’s leading aggregator for developing markets, where she will be responsible for managing and growing QTech’s existing partners in East Africa.

QTech Games CEO, Philip Doftvik, said: “We’re thrilled that Agatha is already underway in her new role at QTech Games, as we train our sights and broaden our scope across East Africa. She is a precocious and natural sales lead and account manager, with the ability to develop client growth or retention strategies.

“She’ll be a true asset to both QTech Games and all our clients, as we grow in Africa to make it a substantial part of our total revenue mix. We have high growth ambitions here in the coming years. Ultimately, we want to dominate and build a stellar and agile brand in the region.”

Agatha Wanjugu added: “I’m excited to be starting at QTech Games, and really feel they have given me the support to put my shoulder to the wheel for expansion in this bubbling and evolving marketplace.

“I’ll be responsible for managing QTech’s existing East African partners, alongside stewarding our expansion into neighbouring local territories. I’ve always based my business relationships on the ability to add value. Working with QTech, I’ve not only found a string of products that complement the different igaming verticals but also a strong, experienced team who are client-focused and always eager to make it work for the client.”

Sponsorship deal announced ahead of headline Dillian Whyte bout in Saudi Arabia

Bet9ja – Nigeria’s leading sportsbook, powered by Logifuture – has announced a partnership with heavyweight boxing sensation Moses Itauma.

Itauma, a 20-year-old British fighter of Nigerian descent, has rapidly become one of boxing’s most compelling figures, with an unbeaten professional record, having stopped 10 of his 12 opponents since turning professional in 2023.

The sponsorship deal comes as Itauma prepares for the biggest fight of his career – against Britain’s Dillian Whyte in a headline bout in Saudi Arabia on Saturday (August 16).

Bet9ja’s logo will be prominently displayed on Itauma’s training gear, as well as his ringside team’s clothing during fights. He is also contributing to a series of videos and digital content that fans will enjoy via Bet9ja’s social channels.

For Bet9ja, this sponsorship reflects their deep commitment to supporting Nigerian excellence in sports. As Nigeria’s number one sportsbook, Bet9ja, with Logifuture’s cutting-edge technology and marketing power behind it, continues to push boundaries.

Earlier this year, Bet9ja announced its renewed support for Nigeria national football team’s “Let’s Do It Again” campaign in the build up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Bet9ja is powered by Logifuture, a leading provider of iGaming products, including Simulate and Zoom Soccer – flagship virtual sports titles that are transforming the way sports fans engage with their favourite sports, while providing increased revenues and consistent margins for operators.

Itauma said: “I’m delighted to be working with Bet9ja as I prepare for the biggest fight of my career so far. My Nigerian heritage and family have always been a source of pride, and this partnership is a powerful connection to my roots. I look forward to bringing my championship belts back to my father’s homeland.”

Logifuture Head of Content and Social Media Tom Beck said: “Moses Itauma is one of the most exciting young talents in global boxing.

“Moses has spoken about the strength he draws from his Nigerian roots and that makes him a natural fit for Bet9ja. For fans, he represents something special; a proud symbol of Nigerian toughness, talent and ambition on the global stage.

“Supporting his success means a lot to Logifuture and Bet9ja, and even more to our audience. We are looking forward to helping to share his journey with fans by providing exclusive access and behind-the-scenes content as he continues to build his reputation as one of the most explosive young fighters on the planet.”

Ayo Ojuroye, CEO of Bet9ja, said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome Moses Itauma to the Bet9ja family. Moses embodies the spirit of resilience, power, and relentless pursuit of greatness that we champion. His Nigerian roots and global ambition make him a perfect fit for Bet9ja’s vision of empowering champions and delivering world-class player experiences. Partnering with Logifuture, we continue to elevate the standards of engagement in Nigerian sports.”