Shut Down Betting Centres Around Schools – Minister Tells Gaming Commission

The Education Minister has told the Gaming Commission of Ghana to intensify efforts to close all betting companies close to schools.

Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum noted that betting companies found around educational institutions flout laws guiding their operations as outlined in the Gaming Act 2006 (Act 721).

According to the minister, the closure of the betting centres would prevent children from patronizing such facilities and control the influx of pupils into such gaming activities.

Under the Gaming Act 2006 (Act 721), betting centres are expected to operate 100 meters away from schools, churches, mosques and other social facilities.

Dr Adutwum made the call when he visited the headquarters of the Gaming Commission of Ghana on Tuesday, November 6.

The meeting was meant to help the two institutions discuss betting facilities near educational institutions across the country and efforts to address this problem.

The Education Minister lauded the Commission for its role in controlling operators in the space, but urged them to be firm in enforcing rules and regulations in relation to their operations to bring some sanity to the gaming space.

He appealed to the Commission to have a critical look at the location of betting centres in the country, especially near schools and see what can be done to halt this practice.

Dr Adutwum pledged his preparedness to liaise with the Commission about how to prevent school children from storming betting centres, especially during schooling hours, in their interest.

The minister also appealed to the Commission to consider assisting people with betting addiction and called on all stakeholders in the country to help protect the youth who are preparing to take over the country’s leadership.

He said this could be done by looking at the nation’s interest first and putting in place the right policies and measures meant to help make gains for the country.