The Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER) has called on government to introduce a legislation to regulate the gaming and betting industry in the country.
According to ISSER, the state is losing millions of cedis in that industry since a large number of unemployed youth are now into gambling, especially during productive hours.
The Gaming Commission recently destroyed over 600 illegal jackpot machines that were seized at bars and restaurants in the Greater Accra Region, alone.
Addressing a news conference on ISSER’s position on the 2018 Budget in Accra, Head of Research at ISSER, Dr. Charles Ackah, said the booming gaming and betting industry must be regulated to help keep students in schools.
“We expect government and parliament to bring all forms of betting and gaming activities under a comprehensive, robust and stringent control,” he stated.
“Most of our young students are always found around these betting and gaming centres, probably as a result of the lack of opportunities and lack of proper supervision. We see that this sector is really booming and everywhere you pass, particularly in cities and urban areas, there are lots of gaming and betting centres. We are not sure how much government is doing to regulate and even to tax and raise revenue from that sector,” he added.
Source: ClassFM
