By Ruth Serwaa Asare
The Gaming Commission of Ghana has reiterated that gambling is meant purely for entertainment and not as a source of livelihood, urging the public , especially the youth, to practise responsible gaming.
Speaking on GTV’s Breakfast Show as part of activities to mark September as Gaming Awareness Month, Beatrice Baiden of the Commission explained that the month was dedicated to intensifying advocacy on responsible gaming practices.
“In as much as you want to have your leisure activity, it does come with some element of harm, which is mainly addiction. So try as much as possible not to go overboard, but to do it in moderation,” she cautioned.
Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Abugri Apanga Esq., stressed that betting must never be misconstrued as a sustainable venture. “Gambling is not an investment. It is not a source of livelihood. It is simply an opportunity to entertain yourself with money you can afford to lose. Don’t make it an everyday business or you risk losing far more than you bargained for,” he said.
Mr Apanga further warned against exposing children to gambling, reminding the public that the law prohibits anyone under 18 years from participating in or being exposed to any gaming activity. “If a parent uses their details to set up an account for their child, they can be prosecuted. It is illegal to expose minors to gaming in any form,” he emphasised.
