Gaming Commission's ban on betting ads: Meet the Ghanaian celebrities who will feel the pinch

The Gaming Commission of Ghana under its supervisory mandate drawn from Section 3 (2) (g) of the Gaming Act, 2006 (Act 721) has developed guidelines on advertising for operators of games of chance, including banning betting companies from using celebrities in their advertisement or as ambassadors.

“Operators shall not use celebrities in their advertisements to entice the general public to gamble,” a part of the new guidelines read.

The decision, the commission says, “is to ensure that advertisements by operators are conducted in a responsible manner devoid of promises of any predetermined outcomes, appeals/enticements to Gamble to the vulnerable in society as well as minimise exposure to minors where applicable.”

Many showbiz personalities, including Bullet of RuffTown Records, have since the announcement registered their displeasure, describing the new guidelines as heart wrenching and ridiculous.

They have argued that the development, coupled with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA’s) that bans celebrities from advertising alcoholic beverages will affect the revenue stream of celebrities.

But the Gaming Commission insists it has to apply the brakes due to the increasing number of celebrities endorsing betting companies. Some of these celebrities shot TV commercials for some betting companies while others promoted them on their various social media platforms.

Here is a list of some of the celebrities who have been promoting betting:

1. Wendy Shay